Which imaging feature is commonly seen in late-stage COPD?

Which imaging feature is commonly seen in late-stage COPD?

• A. Elevated diaphragms and reduced lung volume
• B. Clear lungs with no abnormalities
• C. Flattened diaphragm
• D. Pneumothorax

Answer: (C)

In late-stage COPD, overinflated lungs from air trapping push the diaphragms downward and make them appear flattened on radiographs. This diaphragmatic flattening is a hallmark of chronic hyperinflation seen especially in emphysema, often with an increased front-to-back chest diameter and more lucent lungs. Elevated diaphragms with reduced lung volume wouldn’t fit COPD’s hyperinflation pattern, clear lungs aren’t typical when COPD is advanced, and a pneumothorax is an acute complication, not a standard late-stage finding.

In late-stage COPD, overinflated lungs from air trapping push the diaphragms downward and make them appear flattened on radiographs. This diaphragmatic flattening is a hallmark of chronic hyperinflation seen especially in emphysema, often with an increased front-to-back chest diameter and more lucent lungs. Elevated diaphragms with reduced lung volume wouldn’t fit COPD’s hyperinflation pattern, clear lungs aren’t typical when COPD is advanced, and a pneumothorax is an acute complication, not a standard late-stage finding.