Can a plain CT of the chest rule out COPD?

A plain CT of the chest does not necessarily rule out COPD.
1. COPD is a disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Pulmonary function tests are important in determining airflow limitation, and FEV1/FVC <70% is commonly used as a diagnostic basis. 2. However, the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is usually relatively slow and the duration of the disease is long, and in the early stage of COPD, there may not even be any conscious symptoms. Chest CT can identify central or total lobular emphysema and determine the size and number of pulmonary blisters. However, it lacks specificity for early diagnosis of COPD. In order to better diagnose COPD, in addition to chest CT, it is necessary to combine with pulmonary function tests to make a comprehensive judgment.