Shiro Satoh1, Shinichi Ohdama, Hitoshi Shibuya. 1. Department of Radiology, Ohme Municipal General Hospital, 4-16-5 Higashi-ohme, Ohme, Tokyo 198-0042, Japan. satou-s@mghp.ome.tokyo.jp
Abstract
PURPOSE: 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. MATERIALS AND 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). CONCLUSION: STS-MinIP can be recommended as a new morphometric method for detecting and assessing the severity of emphysema.
PURPOSE: 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. MATERIALS AND 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). CONCLUSION: STS-MinIP can be recommended as a new morphometric method for detecting and assessing the severity of emphysema.
Authors: P J Mergo; W F Williams; R Gonzalez-Rothi; R Gibson; P R Ros; E V Staab; T Helmberger Journal: AJR Am J Roentgenol Date: 1998-05 Impact factor: 3.959