Multi-detector High Resolution CT of Interstitial Lung Disease: Role of Different Post Processing Imaging Techniques

The aim of the study: Is to compare the role of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) 
images with that of different post-processing techniques such as minimum intensity projection 
(MinIP), maximum intensity projection (MIP) & computer-aided analysis in the diagnosis of 
interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Patients and methods: 30 patients (26 females and 4 males) were 
included in this prospective study that took place over duration of nine months. All patients 
underwent HRCT of the chest and different post-processing techniques were done too. The positive 
findings were compared recording which technique was better in detection of every finding of ILD.
Results: MinIP proved to be an excellent tool in visualization of ground glass opacities; however did 
not add value in some cases presenting with "Honeycombing". The MIP was superior in the depiction 
of pulmonary nodules. WITH a significant correlation between visual scoring and computer aided 
scoring with PFT were found, computer aided quantification showed a more significant and stronger 
correlation, higher performance and better accuracy. Conclusion: MinIP & MIP are multiplanar 
techniques of HRCT that proved throughout our study to be informative complementary tool 
increasing the observer confidence and agreement regarding some findings as compared with HRCT 
alone. CAD is very important in detection of lung density, identifying upper/lower or left/right 
predominance of ILD affection plus the fact that it's time consuming.