Pre-clinical study demonstrates CTP imaging effectively diagnoses pulmonary embolism in an animal model, suggesting a vital alternative to conventional methods.
Key Points
This study aims to assess CT-derived perfusion imaging (CTP) as a contrast-free alternative for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE).
Conducted a pre-clinical study using three female C57BL/6 mice implanted with synthetic emboli.
Utilized CTP algorithms to analyze changes in thoracic 4DCT images for quantifying perfusion.
Employed image registration to track mass changes between inhale and exhale phases.
Mouse A displayed a 7% CTP drop in the PE lung, with a 12% increase in the healthy lung.
Mouse B exhibited an 8% CTP drop in the PE lung and a similar 12% increase in the healthy lung.
Increased CTP in healthy lungs indicates a potential compensatory mechanism following embolism.