Are There Different Types of Emphysema?

Question: Are There Different Types of Emphysema?

There are two types of emphysema that are named by their location of disease. Patients generally have one or the other types of emphysema. Although less common, some patients can have both types of emphysema.

Answer:

Panlobular (or panacinar) Emphysema

This type of emphysema is characteristic of a weakening and inflammation of alveoli at the end of the bronchioles. When destruction is very severe, the affected acinus disappears and the lungs appear "spider web-like" in x-rays. (See a gross anatomy photograph.) A mild version of this type of emphysema occurs as aging progresses. In younger people, this panlobular emphysema is caused by the body's inability to produce sufficient amounts of alpha-1 antitrypsin.

Centrilobular (or centriacinar) Emphysema

This type of emphysema affects single alveoli entering directly into the walls of terminal and respiratory bronchioles. The alveoli are destroyed, causing the airway walls to enlarge and the alveoli to then disappear. Therefore, the alveoli at the end acinus remain. This type of emphysema is commonly associated with chronic bronchitis.

Source: The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook by Haas and Haas.

What is Emphysema?

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