Pulmonary Blood Flow Overview
We described a method for using two image acquisition modes, unique to electron
beam CT scanners, for acquiring images of pulmonary anatomy and function. By using
an appropriate blood flow model, regional parenchymal time-intensity curves, sampled
from dynamic CT scans of bolus contrast injection, can be used to calculate regional
blood flow, regional air, blood and tissue percentages, in addition to regional contrast
mean transit times and arrival times. Functional data are calculated by a customized
software module we have developed to automate and speed image analysis. User
interaction with the software can be limited to designating the feeding vessel (i.e
pulmonary artery) for blood flow calculations. Color coded images representing any of
the calculated functional data are generated at user request and can be automatically
imbedded into a corresponding high resolution scan of pulmonary anatomy. Our
approach to image acquisition and post-processing can be used for detailed study of
pulmonary structure-function relationships under various conditions in both clinical and
research environments.
Studies described here have been successfully applied in
animals, however, it must be noted that these protocols are not in routine use for patient
management at this time.
©1994-99 Division of Physiologic Imaging, Dept.
of Radiology, Univ. of Iowa
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Last modified: Fri Jun 4 13:30:27 CDT