Accurate localization of pulmonary segments on pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT imaging

Objective To investigate the methods for localization of the lung segments on three-dimentional (3D) pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT imaging.Methods Twelve healthy adults were recruited into this study.Lung segments were defined based on the anatomical criteria of CT on transaxial, sagittal and coronal images, including apical, posterior, anterior segments in right upper lobe ( RUL), lateral, medial segments in right middle lobe ( RML), superior, anterior basal, lateral basal, posterior basal segments in right lower lobe (RLL); apical posterior, anterior, superior lingual, inferior lingual segments of left upper lobe ( LUL), superior, medioanterior basal, lateral basal, posterior basal segments of left lower lobe (LLL).Results (1) Eleven typical sections were selected on transaxial SPECT pulmonary perfusion imaging:sternoclavicular joint, supra-arch vessels, aortic arch, azygous arch, right upper lobar bronchus, left upper lobar bronchus, middle lobar or lingual bronchus, basal trunk of bronchus, lower lobar vein, superior and inferior basal vein and basal vein.(2) Twelve typical sections were defined on sagittal imaging:left hilum, bifurcation of left principal bronchus, septa of left pulmonary artery, cardiac apex, the first and second sections left to cardiac apex; right hilum, bifurcation of intermite bronchus, interlobar artery, bifurcation of interlobar artery, the second and third sections right to right atrium.(3) Seven typical sections were defined on coronal imaging:sternoclavicular joint, ascending aorta, bifurcation of pulmonary artery, bifurcation of trachea, intermite bronchus, basal vein and thoracic aorta.Conclusion The developed method was able to localize lung segments on pulmonary perfusion SPECT imaging. Key words: Lung;  Tomography, emission-computed, single-photon;  Tomography,X-ray computed;  Imaging processing, computer-assisted;  MAA