The evolving role of MDCT in the assessment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The purpose of this article is to educate the reader in the value a radiologist can offer in the multidetector (MD) CT assessment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MDCT can identify patients in whom treatments such as lung volume reduction surgery or newer endobronchial therapies may be of benefit. We will also discuss important and under-recognised associated cardiorespiratory disease, which may be incidentally identified.