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COMPUTER RECONSTRUCTION OF A HUMAN LUNG MORPHOLOGY MODEL FROM MAGNETIC RESONANCE (MR) IMAGES
Citation:
Burton, R. T., K K. Isaacs, J. S. Fleming, AND T B. Martonen. COMPUTER RECONSTRUCTION OF A HUMAN LUNG MORPHOLOGY MODEL FROM MAGNETIC RESONANCE (MR) IMAGES. RESPIRATORY CARE. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR RESPIRATORY CARE, SEATTLE, WA, 49(2):180-185, (2004).
Impact/Purpose:
To create a framework for anatomically realistic models of the human airway network
Description:
A mathematical description of the morphological structure of the lung is necessary for modeling and analysis of the deposition of inhaled aerosols. A morphological model of the lung boundary was generated from magnetic resonance (MR) images, with the goal of creating a framework for anatomically realistic models of the human airway network. Data visualization and analysis software was used to reconstruct the lung volume from a series of transverse MR images collected at many different vertical locations in the lung, ranging from apex to base. The lung model was then built using isosurface extraction techniques. These modeling methods may facilitate the creation of customized morphological models for individual experimental subjects, resulting in improved interpretation of aerosol distribution data obtained from single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging studies. In addition, such customized models could be developed for children and for patients with respiratory diseases, thus aiding in the study of inhaled pharmacological drug and environmental aerosols in these sensitive subpopulations.