Measuring Lung Function with a CT Scan

Tests, tests, and more tests. Living with CF, it feels like you’re constantly scheduling and completing various testing to make sure you’re as healthy as you can be. Some of the tests measured lung health such as Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) and X-ray. These two tests are the hallmark of CF care, but in recent years computed tomography scans (CT scan) have become a popular way to measure how your lungs are doing with CF.  Here’s how my most recent lung CT test went and what to prepare for.

Receiving my CT scan

With our hospital system, I made an appointment online through radiology at our local satellite office. There were no restrictions prior to the test that I needed to follow, so I showed up at my appointment time. The technician asked if I had any metal on my chest or abdomen like a Dexcom sensor or a bra clasp. (Pro tip: Plan out inserting your Dexcom sensor so that it falls on a day where you can change it and not waste a new sensor.) I had neither, so I was then asked to lay flat on the CT scanner bed. Some CT scans are done with contrast which involves getting an IV and an injection of an iodine-based liquid to help enhance CT pictures. My CT scan was ordered without contrast, so the next step was for the test to begin.

Through the magical donut hole

The scanner moved me through a circular donut opening in the machine a few passes and the technician told me she would step out and begin the test. The machine passed me through once and asked me to take a breath in and hold my breath for a few seconds. Then the machine told me to breathe out. It did this two times and then the test was completed. In entirety, the test took maybe 5 minutes. It was quick, painless, non-invasive and easy to plan for in my experience.

Lung function CT results

Prior to receiving the CT scan, my CF doctor warned that because CT scans are much more sensitive than X-rays, the results would be more alarming to read. It’s similar to buying an older home: from the outside the home is beautiful and structurally sound, but upon inspection there's a handful of things wrong with it before even going inside. My results were much like that.

The scan showed areas of:

• Severe bronchiectasis
• Mucus plugging
• Pneumonia-like infection S
• Small pockets of fluid, blood, or abscess
• A right kidney stone (cheeky guy snuck in the picture)

Thankfully after the results came back my doctor gave me a call to discuss them.

Is a CT scan worth it?

Absolutely! Considering how quick and non-invasive the test is and how much information you can gain about your lung health, a lung CT scan is a valuable assessment. Since CTs are more sensitive than X-rays, it’s a helpful test for very young people with CF before lung damage is seen on X-ray. In addition, for older people with more severe lung damage, it can be helpful in identifying changes.

Have you gotten a lung CT? How was the experience? Share your stories below!