Lung hyperaeration assessment by computed tomography: correction of reconstruction-induced bias

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) reconstruction parameters, such as slice thickness and convolution kernel, significantly affect the quantification of hyperaerated parenchyma (V(HYPER)%). The aim of this study was to investigate the mathematical relation between V(HYPER)% calculated at different reconstruction settings, in mechanically ventilated and spontaneously breathing patients with different lung pathology. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, CT scans of patients of the intensive care unit and emergency department were collected from two CT scanners and analysed with different kernel-thickness combinations (reconstructions): 1.25 mm soft kernel, 5 mm soft kernel, 5 mm sharp kernel in the first scanner; 2.5 mm slice thickness with a smooth (B41s) and a sharp (B70s) kernel on the second scanner. A quantitative analysis was performed with Maluna® to assess lung aeration compartments as percent of total lung volume. CT variables calculated with different reconstructions were compared in pairs, and their mathematical relationship was analysed by using quadratic and power functions. RESULTS: 43 subjects were included in the present analysis. Image reconstruction parameters influenced all the quantitative CT-derived variables. The most relevant changes occurred in the hyperaerated and normally aerated volume compartments. The application of a power correction formula led to a significant reduction in the bias between V(HYPER)% estimations (p < 0.001 in all cases). The bias in V(HYPER)% assessment did not differ between lung pathology nor ventilation mode groups (p > 0.15 in all cases). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperaerated percent volume at different reconstruction settings can be described by a fixed mathematical relationship, independent of lung pathology, ventilation mode, and type of CT scanner.