Ces radiol. 2008, 62(3):277-284

"Ventilation-perfusion" imaging of the lung using dual-energy CTOriginal article

Jiří Ferda¹, Jan Baxa¹, Hynek Mírka¹, Thomas Flohr¹, Bernhard Schmidt¹, Alena Bednářová², Boris Kreuzberg²

¹ Radiodiagnostická klinika LF UK a FN, Plzeň

² Siemens Medical Solutions, CT division, Forchheim, Germany

Aim: To evaluate possibilities of comparison lung parenchyma perfusion and ventilation using data analysis of chest dual-energy CT (DECT) in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE).


Material and method. 20 examination of chest DECT performed due to the suspected pulmonary embolism were evaluated using Dual Energy software (Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) to analyze lung perfusion blood volume (PBV), the air distribution in lung was assessed using minimum intensity projections (MinIP). All examinations performed on dual source CT system (Definition, Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) after application of 100 ml of iodine contrast agent (concentration 400 mgI/ml) using 140 kV on system A, 80 kV on system B, collimation 2 × (32 × 0.6 mm) in both systems. Perfusion distribution and distribution of air were compared each other.

Results: According to the air and perfusion distribution in the lung, the findings were divided in following groups A - normal perfusion and normal air distribution; B - perfusion defect without air redistribution; C - decreased perfusion and increased air content; D - perfusion defect and increased air content; E - increased perfusion and normal air content; F - increased perfusion and decreased air content; G - decreased perfusion and decreased air content. Pulmonary embolism was found in group A or B; small airways inflammation with air-trapping in group C; emphysema in group D and lung infection in group F.

Conclusion: "Ventilation-perfusion" imaging using DECT is able to detect the changes of ventilation-perfusion ratio and may aid to identify the cause.

Keywords: dual energy CT, lung perfusion, lung ventilation

Grants and funding:

Práce byla podpořena výzkumným projektem MSM 0021620819.

Accepted: August 8, 2008; Published: September 1, 2008  Show citation