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Introduction: Measurement of blood eosinophil count in COPD is reported as a useful marker to identify patients with an increased risk for exacerbations. However, scarce information exists whether the degree of the blood eosinophil count has an impact on airway wall remodeling or emphysema. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of blood eosinophil levels in relation to CT measured airway wall thickness and emphysema.

Methods: In a retrospective study design, we collected clinical data and chest CT scans from end-stage COPD patients and they were divided into either a high eosinophil blood count group (HE) or in a low eosinophil (LE) blood count group (defined as having eosinophils >2% of the total white blood cell count). CT measured airway wall thickness (Pi10) and emphysema score (Perc15) were analyzed in the total group and comparison of both groups was performed by …