Multi-detector CT (MDCT) evaluation in interstitial lung disease (ILD): Comparison of MinIP and volumetric high resolution CT (HRCT) images

Abstract

The aim of the studyIs to compare the role of minimum intensity projection (MinIP) images with that of volumetric high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Patients and methods180 patients (149 females and 31 males) were included in this prospective study that took place over a duration of two and half years. All patients underwent HRCT and MinIP images. The positive findings were compared recording which technique was better and if MinIP adds a value in reaching an accurate diagnosis. ResultsMinIP images showed better visualization of traction bronchiectasis, ground glass opacities and mosaic attenuation pattern, as well as, the cystic lung changes seen in LAM. While MinIP did not add a significant value in thick-walled cystic changes e.g.: honeycombing. ConclusionMinIP is one of the multiplanar techniques of HRCT that proved throughout our study to be an informative complementary tool increasing the observer confidence and agreement regarding some findings as compared with HRCT alone.