Imaging the lungs with Computed tomography

Various image processing techniques have been developed to detect lung abnormalities. The accurate quantification of abnormal lung is a critical element in determining the structure-function relationship in lung disease. The development of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has allowed the examination of lung parenchyma with a level of detail only otherwise possible from biopsy or postmortem specimens. Improved contrast and spatial resolution available from HRCT images have improved the understanding of the functional effects of sometimes complex diffuse lung diseases.