Association between visual emphysema and lung nodules on low-dose CT scan in a Chinese Lung Cancer Screening Program (Nelcin-B3)

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the association between visual emphysema and the presence of lung nodules, and Lung-RADS category with low-dose CT (LDCT). METHODS: Baseline LDCT scans of 1162 participants from a lung cancer screening study (Nelcin-B3) performed in a Chinese general population were included. The presence, subtypes, and severity of emphysema (at least trace) were visually assessed by one radiologist. The presence, size, and classification of non-calcified lung nodules (≥ 30 mm(3)) and Lung-RADS category were independently assessed by another two radiologists. Multivariable logistic regression and stratified analyses were performed to estimate the association between emphysema and lung nodules, Lung-RADS category, after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking status, pack-years, and passive smoking. RESULTS: Emphysema and lung nodules were observed in 674 (58.0%) and 424 (36.5%) participants, respectively. Participants with emphysema had a 71% increased risk of having lung nodules (adjusted odds ratios, aOR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.26–2.31) and 70% increased risk of positive Lung-RADS category (aOR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.09–2.66) than those without emphysema. Participants with paraseptal emphysema (n = 47, 4.0%) were at a higher risk for lung nodules than those with centrilobular emphysema (CLE) (aOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.32–4.50 and aOR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.23–2.09, respectively). Only CLE was associated with positive Lung-RADS category (p = 0.02). CLE severity was related to a higher risk of lung nodules (ranges aOR: 1.44–2.61, overall p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In a Chinese general population, visual emphysema based on LDCT is independently related to the presence of lung nodules (≥ 30 mm(3)) and specifically CLE subtype is related to positive Lung-RADS category. The risk of lung nodules increases with CLE severity. KEY POINTS: • Participants with emphysema had an increased risk of having lung nodules, especially smokers. • Participants with PSE were at a higher risk for lung nodules than those with CLE, but nodules in participants with CLE had a higher risk of positive Lung-RADS category. • The risk of lung nodules increases with CLE severity. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00330-022-08884-3.