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Semi‐automated Quantitative CT‐scan Analysis For In Vivo Lung Weight Measurement
Author(s) -
Vecchi Vittoria,
Langer Thomas,
Batchinsky Andriy,
Ivey Katherine,
Walker Kerfoot,
Necsoiu Corina,
Belenkiy Slava,
Dimitri Rachael,
Lucas Michael,
Leon Alisa,
Salinas José,
Cancio Leopoldo
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.lb824
Subject(s) - ards , medicine , lung , nuclear medicine , quantitative computed tomography , edema , limits of agreement , lung volumes , radiology , pathology , osteoporosis , bone density
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by impairment of gas exchange, lung edema and diffuse density changes on computed tomography (CT). We sought to measure lung weight through a simplified, semi‐automated method of quantitative CT scan analysis (qCT) in order to quantify lung edema. Methods Chest CT scans were performed in 6 pigs (46±2 kg). Five pigs had ARDS due to smoke inhalation and 40% total body surface area cutaneous burn; 1 was a healthy control. CT images were reconstructed at 2 mm thickness with a step of 20 mm, yielding 15±2 images per series. Lung weight was estimated with image‐analysis software (Maluna, Goettingen, Germany) assuming 1.06 as lung‐specific weight. After necropsy, lungs were weighed on a balance to assess agreement between qCT and post‐mortem lung weight via Bland‐Altman analysis. Results Lung weights ranged from 237 to 1463 g (mean 1003 g) at necropsy and from 356 to 1411 g (mean 1066 g) at qCT. A high correlation (r 2 =0.98, p=0.0001) was observed between the two methods. Bland‐Altman analysis showed a bias of −63.5 g with limits of agreement of 60 and −186. Conclusions Lung weight can be accurately measured in vivo via qCT. Quantitative CT analysis may be a useful tool to evaluate and monitor the time course of lung edema in ARDS. Source of research support: Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX