3D-CT Volumetry of the Lung Using Multidetector Row CT: Comparison with Pulmonary Function Tests

doi:10.1016/j.acra.2008.09.019

Academic Radiology

Volume 16, Issue 3, March 2009, Pages 250-256

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2008.09.019 Get rights and content

Rationale and Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of measurements of lung volumes reconstructed using three-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) imaging from thin-section multidetector-row CT images compared to standard pulmonary function testing.

Materials and Methods

Preoperative three-dimensional CT images and pulmonary function test results of 64 patients with solitary pulmonary nodules who were considered candidates for lung resection were reviewed. On the three-dimensional CT images, total lung capacity (TLC_CTV), emphysematous lung capacity (ELC_CTV), and normal lung capacity (NLC_CTV) were calculated. Total lung capacity (TLC), vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second were measured using spirometry.

Results

There was a strong positive correlation between estimated TLC_CTV and measured TLC values (r = 0.87, P < .001). Estimated ELC_CTV at the threshold value of −900 Hounsfield units was negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (r = −0.56, P < .001). NLC_CTV values were more strongly correlated with vital capacity values than TLC_CTV values (r = 0.74, P < .001).

Conclusions

Lung volume calculated using three-dimensional CT volumetry was well correlated with lung volume measured using spirometry. Three-dimensional CT volumetry can be used to evaluate pulmonary function.

Section snippets

Patients

Sixty-four consecutive patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (≥30 mm in diameter) who were considered candidates for lung resection at our institution were selected for analysis from clinical records between August 2006 and December 2007 (39 men, 25 women; age range, 43 to 85 years; mean age, 67). Patients with hilar lung cancer and those with hilar lymph node metastasis were excluded because of central bronchial pathway occlusion. All underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced MDCT imaging

Results

Estimated three-dimensional CT values are summarized in Table 2.

Discussion

On the basis of the results of our study, given that estimated TLC_CTV was very well correlated with measured TLC, three-dimensional CT volumetry may be considered reliable for the evaluation of preoperative lung function. Kauczor et al (11) used single-slice helical CT data with 8-mm collimation and found that total lung volume measured on inspiratory CT imaging was well correlated with TLC (r = 0.89). Becker et al (14) used single-slice helical CT data with 10-mm collimation and found that

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Original investigation3D-CT Volumetry of the Lung Using Multidetector Row CT: Comparison with Pulmonary Function Tests

Rationale and Objectives

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusions

Section snippets

Patients

Results

Discussion

Chest

Ann Thorac Surg

Chest

Comput Med Imaging Graph

Chest

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys

Preoperative spirometry versus expired gas analysis during exercise testing as predictors of cardiopulmonary complications after lung resection

Surg Today

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AJR Am J Roentgenol

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J Comput Assist Tomogr

Prediction of postoperative lung function in patients with lung cancer: comparison of quantitative CT with perfusion scintigraphy

AJR Am J Roentgenol

Using quantitative CT to predict postoperative pulmonary function in patients with lung cancer

Chin Med J

Original investigation
3D-CT Volumetry of the Lung Using Multidetector Row CT: Comparison with Pulmonary Function Tests