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[Utilization of NIH image for quantification of emphysema by computed tomography]
Y Hitsuda1, Y Kawasaki, T Igishi
1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Japan.
Summary
This study presents a reliable method for quantifying emphysema using computed tomography (CT) and standard software. The developed technique accurately measures the low attenuation area percentage (LAA%) for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging Analysis
Background:
- The percentage of low attenuation area (LAA%) is a key computed tomography (CT) metric for emphysema quantification.
- Current LAA% measurements typically require advanced CT post-processing software.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for determining LAA% using conventional CT density mapping and NIH Image software.
- To assess the reliability and clinical applicability of this new LAA% measurement technique.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a conventional density mapping program for CT scans.
- Employed NIH Image, a personal computer-based image analysis software.
- Conducted reproducibility trials and a phantom experiment for validation.
Main Results:
- LAA% measurements correlated well with pulmonary function tests, consistent with previous studies.
- Interoperator error in LAA% measurements was within +/- 2%.
- Phantom experiments showed minimal differences compared to direct CT measurements.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides a reliable approach for LAA% determination in emphysema assessment.
- This technique is suitable for clinical use, especially with CT scanners lacking advanced post-processing capabilities.