Impact of chest computed tomography scan on the management of patients with chronic cough

Chronic cough (CC), defined as cough lasting for more than 8 weeks, is a common reason for consultation in general and respiratory medicine. CC is a complex entity with potential multiple causes. CC management has been described in American and European guidelines [1, 2]. Lung function tests and chest radiography are mandatory as first-line diagnostic work-up in CC. However, the usefulness of chest computed tomography (CT) in CC management has not been clearly identified. According to European guidelines, clinicians should not routinely perform a chest CT scan in CC patients presenting normal chest radiography and physical examination [1]. On the other hand, considering the American guidelines, a chest CT scan has to be taken into account in patients with normal chest radiography and after ruling out common causes of CC [2]. However, no criteria regarding chest CT scan in CC patients have been clearly established. In order to provide data on chest CT scans in CC management, our study aims to determine the impact of chest CT scans on the management of patients with CC.
A quarter of chronic cough (CC) patients have an abnormal chest CT scan but the effect of this on CC management is limited. Chest CT scan should not be routinely performed in CC, particularly in patients with dry cough. https://bit.ly/3Bl3EeE