title: [CT pulmonary density mapping: surgical utility].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The present paper considers the technique of CT scan maps of pulmonary isodensity, examining lung density differences as a function of the type of disease and considering their significance for the purposes of refined, useful diagnosis in a surgical context. METHODS. The method is used to examine 3 groups of subjects selected on a clinical/anamnestic basis and a further group already admitted for surgery. For each patient we obtained 2 thoracic density scans during the phase of maximum inspiration and expiration. On each scan we constructed 50 isodensity maps, the equivalent of more than 2500 measurements: the preliminary standard was represented by 100 wide windows to produce total "illumination" of the pulmonary fields. The isodensity windows were then codified differently. Subsequently, the density scans were analysed with the technique of scalar decomposition.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The CT scan maps of lung isodensity proved useful for certain lung diseases in which early diagnosis, topographic extent of the pathology and the refined definition of the pathological picture provide important solutions as regards the indication and planning of surgical treatment and for the evaluation of the operative risk and prognosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We consider that the technique is rapidly performed, not complex and inexpensive and is able to supply detailed information on the lung parenchyma such as to be used not only as a routine technique but also in emergencies.
authors.affiliation: Scuola di Specializzazione in Chirurgia Toracica, Università degli Studi, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gavezzoli
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Caputo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manelli
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zuccon
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Faccini
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bonandrini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
vernacular_title: Mappe TAC di isodensità polmonare: significato chirurgico.