Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2025

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Diagnostic Strategies and Biomarker Development for Comprehensive Lung Function Analysis
Published on: August 9, 2024
Correlation of semi-quantitative analyses and visual scores in pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT imaging with pulmonary
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
Aim:
To evaluate the correlation between semi-quantitative analyses and visual scores of pulmonary perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)/ Computed Tomography (CT) imaging and pulmonary function test parameters (PFTs) in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs).
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective study included 35 patients with ILDs from China-Japan Friendship Hospital between January 2020 and December 2022. All patients underwent pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT imaging and a pulmonary function test. Visual scores of pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT images were determined using the Meyer method, and functional lung volumes of pulmonary perfusion were calculated using various cutoff values (5%-95% of the maximum pixel value). PFTs included forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and FEV1 as a percentage of the predicted value (FEV1%), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FVC as a percentage of the predicted value (FVC%), one-second rate (FEV1/FVC), pulmonary carbon monoxide dispersion (DLCO) and DLCO as a percentage of the predicted value (DLCO%). Pearson's correlation was calculated to compare visual scores and lung perfusion functional volumes with PFT indices.
Results:
Visual scores correlated with FEV1, FEV1%, FVC% and DLCO%, with a significant correlation observed for FEV1% (r = 0.576, P < 0.001). When taking the maximal pixel value of bilateral lung fields or unilateral lung field as 100%, lung perfusion volumes were significantly correlated with FEV1, FEV1%, FVC and FVC% at a threshold of 15%-30% (rs > 0.6, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Pulmonary perfusion volumes within the threshold of 15%-30% in pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT imaging reliably reflect lung function and outperform visual scores in patients with ILDs.
Related Concept Videos
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...

