Sliding thin slab, minimum intensity projection imaging for objective analysis of emphysema.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether sliding thin slab, minimum intensity projection (STS-MinIP) imaging is more advantageous than thin-section computed tomography (CT) for detecting and assessing emphysema.


METHODS
Objective quantification of emphysema by STS-MinIP and thin-section CT was defined as the percentage of area lower than the threshold in the lung section at the level of the aortic arch, tracheal carina, and 5 cm below the carina. Quantitative analysis in 100 subjects was performed and compared with pulmonary function test results.


RESULTS
The ratio of the low attenuation area in the lung measured by STS-MinIP was significantly higher than that found by thin-section CT (P < 0.01). The difference between STS-MinIP and thin-section CT was statistically evident even for mild emphysema and increased depending on whether the low attenuation in the lung increased. Moreover, STS-MinIP showed a stronger regression relation with pulmonary function results than did thin-section CT (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
STS-MinIP can be recommended as a new morphometric method for detecting and assessing the severity of emphysema.
Satoh
Shiro
S
Department of Radiology, Ohme Municipal General Hospital, 4-16-5 Higashi-ohme, Ohme, Tokyo 198-0042, Japan. satou-s@mghp.ome.tokyo.jp
Ohdama
Shinichi
S
Shibuya
Hitoshi
H
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D005652:Functional Residual Capacity; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014132:Trachea / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D014797:Vital Capacity; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens
D002248:Carbon Monoxide