Evaluation of lung function by pore size distribution characteristics of lung tissue based on non-invasive imaging

Abstract

The evaluation of lung function by measuring the total amount of exhaled gas is not conducive to fully demonstrating the local lesion characteristics of the lung. If the pore size distribution characteristics of lung tissue can be measured, it will be possible to more comprehensively display the lung function characteristics, which will be beneficial for tracking or evaluating the development and rehabilitation effects of lung diseases. Can lung pore size be measured non-invasively? With this question in mind, this article surveys pore size measurement methods for small pores from literature in various fields, such as energy, materials, construction, and food. The study summarizes and introduces methods such as microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, computed tomography, low-temperature gas adsorption, mercury porosimetry, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, low-temperature frozen nuclear magnetic resonance, and nerve fiber measurement. The analysis suggests that magnetic resonance micro-pore measurement technology is a potential feasible method for non-invasive pore size measurement in lung tissue.