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Quantitative Lung Density CT

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    Volumetric Inspiration Contrast (Full inspiration (TLC) delay) Lung apices to Costophrenic angles
    Volumetric Expiration Contrast (Full expiration (RV) delay) Lung apices to Costophrenic angles
    • Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome
    • Emphysema quantification
    • COPD assessment

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine with arms raised
    • NPO Status: N/A

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    No Intravenous Contrast

    This protocol does not require IV contrast administration.

  • 4. Special Notes

    • TWO VOLUMETRIC acquisitions: 1) Full INSPIRATION 2) FULL EXPIRATION (complete exhalation). Contiguous thin slices. Quantitative software
    • Additional Recons: Quantitative emphysema analysis. Report % lung <-950 HU. Air trapping metrics. Upper/lower lobe distribution
    • No IV. Coach complete inspiration and complete expiration

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A
    • Allergy: N/A
    • Quantify emphysema (% lung <-950 HU inspiration). Air trapping (% lung <-856 HU expiration). Emphysema distribution
    • Complete exhalation critical for RV. Volumetric contiguous
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Lung apices Costophrenic angles N/A N/A AP lateral
Volumetric Inspiration Lung apices Costophrenic angles Full inspiration (TLC) 0.625-1 mm Contiguous for quantification
Volumetric Expiration Lung apices Costophrenic angles Full expiration (RV) 0.625-1 mm Contiguous complete exhalation
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Inspiration Chest 1 mm/1 mm Lung 3 Quantitative inspiration
Axial Expiration Chest 1 mm/1 mm Lung 3 Quantitative expiration
Density map Inspiration Lungs Color coded Lung N/A Emphysema distribution map
Density map Expiration Lungs Color coded Lung N/A Air trapping map