Standardization of low attenuation area versus total lung area in chest X-ray CT as an indicator of chronic pulmonary emphysema

Abstract

We examined the methods for measuring the LAA% (100 x low attenuation area/total lung area) on thoracic X-ray CT scans in order to develop a useful indicator of chronic pulmonary emphysema (CPE). First, we modified the method for calculating the LAA% to be applicable by the programming tool installed in a commercially available CT machine in order to minimize manual procedures. This new method proved to be applicable in all CT machines produced after 1987. Second, we examined the difference in the Hounsfield Unit (HU) between different CT machines using two kinds of phantoms. One phantom was composed of Styrofoam, which has a density similar to the low attenuation areas. The other phantom was composed of Styrofoam and water, which has a density similar to the lung. We proved that the difference of LAA% with the correct value was 5% at maximum among four different CT machines. Thus, the phantom developed in the present study may play an important role in the standardization of HU. Finally, the possibility of decreasing the X-ray levels was examined. Twenty-five percent of the standard electrical current provided the same LAA% in cases where the subject was an established CPE patient, whereas the LAA% was overestimated in subjects with a normal LAA% value. However, a correction using a linear regression equation may be possible in the latter cases. It may be concluded that LAA% analysis can easily be performed in many city hospital, without much investment of manual procedures or any corrections to the HU levels between different CT machines. This method may be useful as a routine follow up for CPE patients because of the smaller irradiated dose given when using a CT machine.