Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading problem and commonest respiratory conditions of adults in the developed world which is defined as irreversible airflow obstruction. It is a heterogeneous disease affecting the airways, the parenchyma and the vasculature. These specific morphologic changes in the central and peripheral airways, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature can be best identified by imaging using a combination of morphological and functional techniques like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) etc.. This approach allows a phenotypical definition of COPD patients, and can improve in understanding of disease pathogenesis and suggest new therapeutical options.

The severity of emphysema, changes in small and large airways, air wall thickening and perfusion and ventilation in the lung parenchyma can be best detected by using CT which gives the accurate details of anatomic information and functional data from the area of interest.