Clinical Trial Validation of Automated Segmentation and Scoring of Pulmonary Cysts in Thoracic CT Scans.

In cystic lung diseases such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a CT-based cyst score that measures the percentage of the lung volume occupied by cysts is a common index of the cyst burden in the lungs. Although the current semi-automatic measurement of the cyst score is well established, it is susceptible to human operator variabilities. We recently developed a fully automatic method incorporating adaptive features in place of manual adjustments.

Automated Segmentation and Measurements of Pulmonary Cysts in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis across Multiple CT Scanner Platforms over a Period of Two Decades.

(1) Background: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a genetic disease that affects mostly women of childbearing age. In the lungs, it manifests as the progressive formation of air-filled cysts and is associated with a decline in lung function. With a median survival of 29 years after the onset of symptoms, computed-tomographic monitoring of cystic changes in the lungs is a key part of the management of the disease.

Quantitative CT Metrics Associated with Variability in the Diffusion Capacity of the Lung of Post-COVID-19 Patients with Minimal Residual Lung Lesions.

(1) Background: A reduction in the diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide is a prevalent longer-term consequence of COVID-19 infection. In patients who have zero or minimal residual radiological abnormalities in the lungs, it has been debated whether the cause was mainly due to a reduced alveolar volume or involved diffuse interstitial or vascular abnormalities. (2) Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 45 patients with either zero or minimal residual lesions in the lungs (total volume < 7 cc) at two months to one year post COVID-19 infection.

Ultra-Small Lung Cysts Impair Diffusion Without Obstructing Air Flow in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Background: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease found primarily in women of childbearing age, characterized by the formation of air-filled cysts, which may be associated with reductions in lung function. An experimental, regional ultra-high resolution CT scan identified an additional volume of cysts relative to standard chest CT imaging, which consisted primarily of ultra-small cysts.

Research Question: What is the impact of these ultra-small cysts on the pulmonary function of patients with LAM?

Study Design And Methods: A group of 103 patients with LAM received pulmonary function tests and a CT examination in the same visit.