Three-dimensional imaging of focal lung disease

A fast CT scanner combined with powerful computer hardware as well as various new algorithms for 3D rendering have improved the current technical performance of 3D imaging. High quality surface renderings of high contrast structures like the lung are feasible in a few minutes. A 24-second spinal CT scan with a 2-mm section thickness and 2-mm/sec table feed time was performed during single breath hold. About 45 transaxial slices were measured in all case. Each 2D image demonstrates the focal lung diseases and surrounding structures. 3D images offer a quick and comprehensive overview of the spatial extent of the focal lung disease. (author)