Diagnosis of COPD

 

—  CXR

—  Increased bronchovascular markings

—  Emphysematous lung

—  Complete Blood Count

—  White blood cell count of 15 400/μl

—  Haemoglobin of 10.0 g/dl

—  Platelet count 331×10³/μl

—  Neutrophils 1100 per mm³

—  Coagulation Profile

—  Prothrombin time (PT) : 11 seconds

—  Partial thromboplastin time (PTT): 0.9 seconds

In order to further diagnose the disease, chest x-ray was done which revealed increased bronchovascular markings and an emphysematous lung and these are the typical findings of a patient with advanced COPD. The patient's complete blood count revealed a white blood cell count of 15,400/μL, a hemoglobin level of 10.0 g/dL, neutrophils count of 1100mm⁻³and a platelet count of 331×10³/μL. These findings implied leukocytosis, which means patient was having an infection and anemia. The patient's coagulation profile was performed that showed a prothrombin time (PT) of 11 seconds and a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 0.9 seconds. These values were within normal limits, signifying that the patient's blood clotting function was normal. It means COPD had not yet caused coagulation abnormalities in this patient.  This is important for managing potential complications such as pulmonary embolism.