Regional distribution of lung compliance by image analysis of computed tomograms

Computed tomography (CT) can yield quantitative information about volume distribution in the lung. By combining information provided by CT and respiratory mechanics, this study aims at quantifying regional lung compliance (CL) and its distribution and homogeneity in mechanically ventilated pigs. The animals underwent inspiratory hold maneuvers at 12 lung volumes with simultaneous CT exposure at two end-expiratory pressure levels and before and after acute lung injury (ALI) by oleic acid administration. CL and the sum of positive voxel compliances from CT were linearly correlated; negative compliance areas were found. A remarkably heterogeneous distribution of voxel compliance was found in the injured lungs. As the lung inflation increased, the homogeneity increased in healthy lungs but decreased in injured lungs. Image analysis brought novel findings regarding spatial homogeneity of compliance, which increases in ALI but not in healthy lungs by applying PEEP after a recruitment maneuver.