Quantitative Analysis for Computed Tomography Findings of Various Diffuse Lung Diseases Using Volume Histogram Analysis

OBJECTIVES: : The aim of this study was to achieve the quantitative analysis of the characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings and course of interstitial pneumonia using the volume histogram method. METHODS: : Contrast (CNT), variance (VAR), and entropy (EPY) values from whole-lung volume data were compared between normal lungs and 5 diseases that have characteristic CT findings. Thirteen cases with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: : In cases with thickening of the bronchovascular bundles and interlobular thickening, ground-glass attenuation, airspace consolidation, and honeycombing, the values of VAR and EPY were greater than those in the normal cases (P < 0.05). In the cases with NSIP, the CNT value after treatment was significantly greater and the values of VAR and EPY after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: : Volume histogram analysis is a promising method for the evaluation of diffuse lung diseases and the effectiveness of treatment.