Airway identification within planar gamma camera images using computer models of lung morphology.

Purpose: Quantification of inhaled aerosols by planar gamma scintigraphy could be improved if a more comprehensive assessment of aerosol distribution patterns among lung airways were obtained. The analysis of planar scans can be quite subjective because of overlaying of small, peripheral airways with large, conducting airways. Herein, a computer modeling technique of the three-dimensional (3-D) branching structure of human lung airways was applied to assist in the interpretation of planar gamma camera images.

Three-dimensional simulations of airways within human lungs.

Information regarding the deposition patterns of inhaled particles has important implications to the fields of medicine and risk assessment. The former concerns the targeted delivery of inhaled pharmacological drugs (aerosol therapy); the latter concerns the risk assessment of inhaled air pollutants (inhalation toxicology). It is well documented in the literature that the behavior and fate of inhaled particles may be formulated using three families of variables: respiratory system morphologies, aerosol characteristics, and ventilatory parameters.

In silico modeling of asthma.

The incidence of asthma is increasing throughout the world, especially among children, to the extent that it has become a medical issue of serious global concern. Appropriately, numerous pharmacologic drugs and clinical protocols for the treatment and prophylaxis of the disease have been reported. From a scientific perspective, a review of the literature suggests that the targeted delivery of an aerosol would, in a real sense, enhance the efficacy of an inhaled medicine.

A computer model of lung morphology to analyze SPECT images.

Measurement of the spatial distribution of aerosol deposition in human lungs can be performed using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). To relate deposition patterns to real lung structures, a computer model of the airway network has been developed. Computer simulations are presented that are compatible with the analysis of SPECT images.