A pulmonary nodule modeling tool as a diagnostic aid for lung HRCT images.

A lung model and a software tool were developed with the aim to help the radiologist in understanding the underlying nodule distribution modes in the lung, in spreading nodules on lung sections according to predefined distribution modes. For educational purpose lung elements can be easily highlighted using false colors. The fast execution times which allow the radiologist to test different nodule distributions and to choose, by comparison with CT, the likeliest one, makes it a helpful tool to determine the real diagnosis. Connected to a database containing final diagnoses, it should be a help for research in lung pathology.