Synchrotron-based dynamic computed tomography of tissue motion for regional lung function measurement

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary physiology
• Medical imaging
• Biomechanical engineering

Background:

• Lung inflation is a complex dynamic process influenced by pressure gradients, compliance, and resistance.
• Current in vivo techniques lack the spatial and temporal resolution to accurately define ventilation dynamics.
• Understanding regional lung inflation patterns in health and disease remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel imaging technique for dynamic, regional measurement of lung ventilation in vivo.
• To assess regional lung expansion and airflow distribution throughout the bronchial tree.
• To provide a tool for investigating normal and pathological lung dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized fast synchrotron-based dynamic computed tomography (CT) imaging (up to 60 frames s(-1)).
• Combined dynamic CT with cross-correlation velocimetry to measure regional time constants and expansion.
• Estimated airflow distribution within the bronchial tree during the ventilation cycle.

Main Results:

• Successfully measured regional lung expansion and airflow dynamics in vivo in mice and rabbit pups.
• Demonstrated agreement of the new technique's measurements with independent measures.
• Provided proof-of-concept for dynamic, regional ventilation assessment.

Conclusions:

• The developed technique enables precise, regional measurement of lung function in vivo.
• This methodology offers significant potential for studying lung dynamics in health and disease.
• The technique shows translational research opportunities for clinical CT scanning and diagnosis of regional lung diseases.