Mori K, Saito Y, Tominaga K, Yokoi K, Miyazawa N, Kouda Y, Okuyama A,
Sasagawa M, Moriyama N
Department of Thoracic Disease, Tochigi Cancer Center, Utsunomiya.
Title
Three-dimensional computed tomography image of small
pulmonary lesions.
Source
Jpn J Clin Oncol 1992 Jun;22(3):159-63
Abstract
To evaluate diagnostic imaging of small lesions in the peripheral lung, three-dimensional
(3D) reconstruction CT images were used to study 36 cases (including which had been 19
resected) of pulmonary nodules less than 3 cm in diameter. Rapid scanning was employed
in 17 cases and helical scanning (in which the X-ray tube rotates continuously with
simultaneous table sliding) in 19 cases. The rapid scanning could not be evaluated in two
cases because respiratory motion resulted in discontinuous image data. We were able to
evaluate 34 cases. The addition of 3D images to the conventional images made it possible
for us to obtain useful information on visualizing relations between nodules and vascular
structures in 32% (11/34) of the cases. The 3D images enabled us to visualize the lesions
and pulmonary vessels three-dimensionally. It was, however, difficult to evaluate lesion
shape since we were able to obtain useful information in only 3% (1/34) of the cases. In
helical scanning, data are acquired from an extensive area within a short time, providing
consecutive axial-slice images remain free of any respiratory artifacts. In this regard,
helical scanning is suitable for generating 3D images. A diagnostic procedure based on 3D
lesion analysis should be developed and standardized.