Use of quantitative CT to predict postoperative lung function in patients with lung cancer

Radiology. 1994 Apr;191(1):257-62. doi: 10.1148/radiology.191.1.8134584.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of quantitative computed tomography (CT) for predicting postoperative lung function in patients with lung cancer.

Materials and methods: Preoperative spirometry and conventional CT of the chest were performed in 38 patients. A postprocessing CT program was applied to quantitate the volume of whole-lung parenchyma with attenuations of -500 to -910 HU; this was defined as total functional lung volume (TFLV). The regional functional lung volume (RFLV) of the lobes or lung to be resected was quantitated separately. CT-predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were derived by multiplying the preoperative spirometry values by (1 - RFLV/TFLV).

Results: CT-predicted values correlated well with postoperatively measured results (FEV1: r = .93, P < .001; FVC: r = .86, P < .001) in patients who underwent pneumonectomy or lobectomy, regardless of the patient's preoperative ventilation status.

Conclusion: This method is effective in the prediction of postoperative FEV1 and FVC in patients undergoing pulmonary resection.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonectomy / adverse effects
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Respiration Disorders / diagnosis
  • Respiration Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Respiration Disorders / etiology
  • Respiratory Mechanics*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Vital Capacity