Respiratory Function Test Without Contact With the Subjecct Using Radiological Imaging Techniques

Respiratory Function Test Without Contact With the Subjecct Using Radiological Imaging Techniques

H Moriya, MD, Fukushima, Fukushima JAPAN; S Muramatsu, RT; K Hashimoto; M Suzuki; Y Kumasaka; Y Ohashi; Shinsuke Tsukagoshi.

TEACHING POINTS

Controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection has become a global issue. It has been known that COVID-19 spreads to surroundings during the asymptomatic stage, and it is required to reduce the chance of contact between people in daily life. The conventional respiratory function test causes the subject to make a large exhalation, which generate an aerosol. If asymptomatic COVID-19 patients are tested, there is a risk of spreading. Therefore, in this presentation, we will explain the respiratory function test using radiological imaging techniques that can be performed without touching the upper respiratory tract or exhalation of the subject.

TABLE OF CONTENTS/OUTLINE

1. Chest X-ray photograph: Total lung capacity can be estimated from inspiration images and residual volume can be estimated from expiration images. 2. Dynamic chest radiography: Ventilation and blood flow can be analyzed on the chest X-ray photograph. 3. Chest CT: LAA (low attenuation area) and bronchial wall thickening can be quantified. 4. Inspiration and expiration CT: LAA and bronchial wall thickening are revealed. Total lung capacity, residual volume, and vital capacity can be measured. 5. Whole-lung respiratory dynamic CT: Volume and CT-value measurement can be performed for each respiratory phase. This method can also perform local lung function analysis.