Rationale And Objectives: Lung resection for primary bronchogenic carcinoma in the setting of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often requires a detailed assessment of lung function to avoid perioperative complications and long-term disability. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a novel technique of spiral computed tomographic (CT) subtraction imaging provides accuracy equal to the current standard of radioisotope perfusion scintigraphy in predicting postoperative lung function.
Methods And Materials: Preoperative lung function, radioisotope perfusion scintigraphy, spiral CT subtraction imaging, and assessment of postoperative lung function were performed in 25 patients with surgically resectable primary bronchogenic carcinoma.