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Pulmonary intersegmental planes: imaging appearance and possible reasons leading to their visualization
Yi-Zhi Zuo1, Chao Liu, Shu-Wei Liu
1Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wen-hua Xi Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China.
Radiology
|January 9, 2013
Summary
Pulmonary intersegmental plane visualization on CT scans depends on thickness, not age. Thicker planes, often with varying intersegmental veins, are more visible, regardless of patient age.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Anatomy
- Pulmonary Imaging
Background:
- Pulmonary intersegmental planes are anatomical structures within the lungs.
- Their visualization on thoracic computed tomographic (CT) scans can vary.
- Understanding factors influencing their appearance is crucial for accurate interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the typical appearance of pulmonary intersegmental planes on thoracic CT.
- To investigate the relationship between age, anatomy, and the visibility of these planes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 104 thoracic CT scans from younger and older adults.
- Assessment of intersegmental plane number, location, and appearance rates.
- Micro-CT and 7.0-T MRI of lung and fetal specimens to measure plane thickness.
Main Results:
- Intersegmental plane visibility rates varied by lung segment but were not significantly different between age groups.
- Visible intersegmental planes were significantly thicker (mean 681.3 μm) than invisible ones (mean 221.7 μm).
- Visible planes were also observed in fetal lung specimens, indicating congenital differences.
Conclusions:
- The thickness of pulmonary intersegmental planes is the primary determinant of their visualization on CT scans.
- Variations in intersegmental veins also contribute to visibility.
- Aging is not a significant factor in the visualization of these planes.
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