Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive, incompletely reversible airflow obstruction, and enhanced chronic inflammatory responses to noxious particles or gases in the airways and lungs. The present study was conducted to assess thoracic dimensions in patients with COPD. Materials & Methods: 84 patients with COPD and 84 healthy subjects were recruited. Thoracic dimension in both groups were compared. Results: The mean maximal transverse diameter in group I was 22.5 mm and in group II was 22.1 mm, mid-sagittal antero-posterior diameter was 9.2 mm in group I and 9.0 mm in group II, maximal antero-posterior diameter of the right hemithorax was 14.7 mm in group I and 14.2 mm in group II and maximal antero-posterior diameter of the left hemithorax was 14.8 mm in group I and 14.6 mm in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Thoracic dimensions were enhanced in COPD patients as compared to healthy subjects. Key words: COPD, Thorax, Healthy