Changes in lung volume and volume of emphysema after unilateral lung reduction surgery: analysis with CT lung densitometry.

PURPOSE

To evaluate changes in volume of the lungs and volume of emphysema after unilateral lung reduction surgery (ULRS) by using computed tomographic (CT) lung densitometry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients underwent CT before and 3 months after ULRS. With use of a density mask software program and a three-dimensional graphics workstation, CT scans were analyzed to define the volume of the lungs and the volume of emphysema. Pre- and postoperative mean CT numbers were determined.

RESULTS

After ULRS, the surgically reduced lung volume decreased 22%, and the intact opposite lung volume increased 4%. Emphysema in the surgically reduced lung decreased 14% and was unchanged in the intact opposite lung. Mean CT numbers in the surgically reduced lung increased 26 HU but were unchanged in the intact opposite lung.

CONCLUSION

The effects of ULRS on each lung can be evaluated by using CT lung densitometry and a three-dimensional graphics workstation. ULRS reduces emphysema and lung volume in the surgically reduced lung without statistically significant worsening of contralateral emphysema at 3 months.