MDCT and postprocessing techniques in the assessment of diffuse and airway disease

Thin collimation MDCT during a single breath hold at full inspiration generates isotropic volumetric high resolution data, allowing contiguous 3D visualization of the lung parenchyma, with a capacity to create high quality 2D and 3D reformatted images. Complementary acquisition during forced expiratory manoeuvre helps detect expiratory air trapping and tracheobronchomalacia.

Lernziele:

1- Minimum intensity projection (mIP) improves detection and characterization of ground glass, linear, reticular and cystic patterns, whereas maximum intensity projection (MIP) allows the detection of small nodules, improving differentiation between perilymphatic, miliary and centrilobular distribution.

2- Multiplanar reformations (MPRs), virtual endoscopy and bronchography improve the assessment of airway stenosis, and increase the detection rate of bronchiectasis and reader's confidence as to the distribution of bronchiectasis.

3- MIP improves the detection and the assessment of mucoïd impactions and infectious bronchiolitis features (tree in bud sign), whereas mIP improves the assessment of obliterative bronchiolitis features (decreased lung attenuation and air trapping).

Korrespondierender Autor: Grenier P

University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris

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