Quantitative Imaging of Regional Aerosol Deposition, Lung Ventilation and Morphology by Synchrotron Radiation CT

To understand the determinants of inhaled aerosol particle distribution and targeting in the lung, knowledge of regional deposition, lung morphology and regional ventilation, is crucial. No single imaging modality allows the acquisition of all such data together. Here we assessed the feasibility of dual-energy synchrotron radiation imaging to this end in anesthetized rabbits; both in normal lung (n = 6) and following methacholine (MCH)-induced bronchoconstriction (n = 6), a model of asthma. We used K-edge subtraction CT (KES) imaging to quantitatively map the regional deposition of iodine-containing aerosol particles. Morphological and regional ventilation images were obtained, followed by quantitative regional iodine deposition maps, after 5 and 10 minutes of aerosol administration. Iodine deposition was markedly inhomogeneous both in normal lung and after induced bronchoconstrition. Deposition was significantly reduced in the MCH group at both time points, with a strong dependency on inspiratory flow in both conditions (R² = 0.71; p < 0.0001). We demonstrate for the first time, the feasibility of KES CT for quantitative imaging of lung deposition of aerosol particles, regional ventilation and morphology. Since these are among the main factors determining lung aerosol deposition, we expect this imaging approach to bring new contributions to the understanding of lung aerosol delivery, targeting, and ultimately biological efficacy.