Accuracy of lung structure constructed by three-dimensional image analysis with non-enhanced computed tomography.

BACKGROUND

There are few papers on three-dimensional (3D) images of the lungs using non-enhanced computed tomography (CT). This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of 3D images of the lungs using non-enhanced CT.

METHODS

The study included 10 consecutive cases for each lung lobe, totalling 50 cases between March and December 2022. The patients had both non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced CT taken within 2 months before surgery. A 3D image analysis system (SYNAPSE VINCENT) was used to obtain 3D images of the pulmonary artery (PA), pulmonary vein (PV), and bronchus (Br). The system automatically generated 3D images based on both non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced CTs, which were then compared with each other and also with actual surgical findings.

RESULTS

The coincidence rate of PA, PV, and Br between 3D images based on non-enhanced CT and enhanced CT was 70% for the right lung and 65% for the left lung. The coincidence rate of PA, PV, and Br between 3D images based on non-enhanced CT and actual surgical findings was 100% for the right middle, right lower, and left lower lobes, but 50% for the right upper lobe and 60% for the left upper lobe.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D images of the lungs based on non-enhanced CT showed that the right middle lobe and both lower lobes were correctly depicted. The right and left upper lobes were poorly visualized using non-enhanced CT, while the right upper lobe was poorly visualized using contrast-enhanced CT.