A deep learning-based automated detection of mucus plugs in chest CT

Extract In COPD, the airway mucus plugs observed in chest CT indicate hypoxemia independently of emphysema [1] and are associated with exercise tolerance, [2] exacerbation frequency, [2] and life expectancy. [3] In asthma, they are further associated with lung function, [4] severity, [5] and treatment response. [6] Dunican et al. defined mucus plugs as complete occlusion of a bronchus, irrespective of generation or size, excluding the most peripheral bronchi within 2 cm of the costal pleura or diaphragmatic surface. [7] Although CT results of only a small proportion of healthy controls (approximately 5–10%) present mucus plugs, they may be present in a considerable proportion (approximately 50%) in patients with severe asthma or COPD. [1, 7, 8]