Osteophyte induced lung fibrosis prevalence and osteophyte qualities predicting disease

Clin Imaging. 2017 Jul-Aug:44:1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2017.02.008. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of osteophyte induced lung fibrosis (OIF) and its relationship to osteophyte size, location, and surrounding fat.

Methods: 94 CT scans of the chest were reviewed, size of the largest osteophyte and the presence of fibrosis were recorded.

Results: Presence of fibrosis was higher among patient with large (>10 mm) osteophytes compared to those with small (1-10mm) osteophytes. Age and presence of periosteophyte fat were significantly associated with presence of fibrosis.

Conclusions: As the size of an osteophyte increases, there is a greater likelihood of lung fibrosis. Subpleural fat protects the lung from OIF.

Keywords: Osteophyte; Pulmonary fibrosis; UIP; Usual interstitial pneumonitis.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteophyte / complications*
  • Osteophyte / pathology
  • Prevalence
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed