Chest CT Findings in Marijuana Smokers

Source:

Murtha, L., Sathiadoss, P., Salameh, J. P., Mcinnes, M. D., & Revah, G. (2022). Chest CT Findings in Marijuana Smokers. Radiology, 212611.

Summary

In this case-control study of marijuana smokers, nonsmokers, and tobacco-only smokers, smoking marijuana was associated with paraseptal emphysema, bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening, and airway mucoid impaction.

Key Results

• ■ In this retrospective case-control study analyzing chest CT findings in 56 marijuana smokers, 57 nonsmokers, and 33 tobacco-only smokers, marijuana smokers had higher rates of airway changes than did tobacco-only smokers or nonsmokers (P < .001 to P = .04).

• ■ Emphysema was more common in marijuana smokers than in nonsmokers (75% vs 5%, P < .001) and in age- and sex-matched marijuana smokers than in tobacco-only smokers (93% vs 67%, P = .009); the paraseptal subtype of emphysema was predominant in marijuana smokers.