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Review
. 2005;2(6):492-8, 506.
doi: 10.1513/pats.200509-099DS.

Computed tomography studies of lung ventilation and perfusion

Eric A Hoffman  1 , Deokiee Chon
Affiliations
Review

Computed tomography studies of lung ventilation and perfusion

Eric A Hoffman et al. Proc Am Thorac Soc. 2005.

Abstract

With the emergence of multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) it is now possible to image both structure and function via use of a single imaging modality. Breath-hold spiral CT provides detail of the airway and vascular trees along with texture reflective of the state of the lung parenchyma. Use of stable xenon gas wash-in and/or wash-out methods using an axial mode of the CT scanner whereby images are acquired through gating to the respiratory cycle provide detailed images of regional ventilation with isotropic voxel dimensions now on the order of 0.4 mm. Axial scanning during a breath hold and gating to the electrocardiogram during the passage of a sharp bolus injection of iodinated contrast agent provide detailed images of regional pulmonary perfusion. These dynamic CT methods for the study of regional lung function are discussed in the context of other methods that have been used to study heterogeneity of lung function.

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Figures

<b>Figure 1.</b>
Figure 1.
Composite image of computed tomography (CT) scanners and associated equipment used in functional imaging of the lung. (A) Micro-CT scanner (microCAT II; CTI Molecular Imaging, Knoxville, TN); (B) multidetector-row CT scanner (SOMATOM Sensation 64; Siemens Medical Solutions, Forscheim, Germany); (C) xenon delivery device (Enhancer 3000; Diversified Diagnostic Products, Houston, TX); (D) high-powered contrast injector (Mark V; MEDRAD, Indianola, PA); (E) physiologic monitoring system (IntelliVue patient monitor; Philips Medical Systems, Bothell, WA).
<b>Figure 4.</b>
Figure 4.
Cross-sectional image of a mouse lung. The mouse was imaged alive and anesthetized. With careful synchronization of respiratory events and scanner events, it is possible to image detail out to the very periphery of the lung. With careful calibration of density it becomes possible to assess regional lung air content and by imaging the lung at multiple lung volumes (airway pressures) it becomes possible to image regional “ventilation.” The inserted marker shows a length of 500 μm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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