Predictors of clinical outcome in emphysema patients with atelectasis following endoscopic valve therapy

Introduction: The aim of endoscopic valve therapy in patients with emphysema is a complete lobar atelectasis of the most emphysematous destroyed lobe. Despite radiological advent of atelectasis, a great variability in the clinical outcome can be observed. In this analysis baseline lung function parameters, exercise test and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) variables were analyzed to identify predictors of clinical outcome following valve therapy. Methods: Baseline clinical measures (VC, FEV1, RV, 6-MWT) and HRCT variables (low attenuation volume (LAV) of target lobe, LAV% of target and of ipsilateral u…