High-resolution CT of the lung parenchyma.

High-resolution CT, a technique that optimizes the spatial resolution of lung parenchyma, uses thin collimation, reconstruction with a high-spatial frequency algorithm, image targeting, and sometimes increased kVp and mA settings. Performing a high-resolution CT study can provide information regarding lung morphology that cannot be obtained using conventional CT or plain radiographs. Alterations in anatomy can be identified at the level of the secondary pulmonary lobule, and although often nonspecific, in certain situations high-resolution CT findings can be diagnostic. High-resolution CT scanning is also helpful in identifying patients who have significant lung disease despite a normal chest radiograph, and in planning biopsy procedures.