Vertical gradients of lung density in healthy supine men.

Computed tomography was used to determine the vertical gradient of physical density in peripheral lung tissue of 12 healthy supine subjects, at total lung capacity and residual volume. At total lung capacity the mean (SD) density of peripheral lung tissue at the level of the mid right atrium was 0.0715 (0.017) g/cm3 and the vertical gradient of density was slight. At residual volume the density of peripheral tissue at the same level was 0.272 (0.067) g/cm3 and the vertical density gradient was curvilinear and more pronounced. Predictions of the gradient at residual volume were made on the basis of the known compliance of the lung and measured effects were attributed to the action of gravity on blood vessel distensibility at total lung capacity. These predictions agreed closely with the actual density gradient measured at residual volume and provide a basis for forecasting the vertical density gradient that would exist in healthy lungs at any degree of inflation. Departure from these gradients would imply local abnormalities of lung compliance, distribution of mechanical stress, or distensibility of vessels.