In vivo tomographic velocimetry of the lung for the detailed study of lung disease and its treatments

All lung disease dramatically alters the local motion of the lung during breathing. It stands to reason, therefore, that detailed measurement of lung motion could provide dramatic improvements in assessment of lung function. Using synchrotron-based phase contrast imaging, we have developed and applied tools for lung motion and function measurement. We demonstrate a low-dose alternative to traditional 4D-CT methods, capable of measuring instantaneous 3D tissue motion using only 6 projection images. Additionally, our technique provides estimation of the airflow distribution throughout the bronchial tree during the breathing cycle. The ability to measure lung function at a regional level will provide invaluable information for studies into normal and pathological lung dynamics, and may provide new pathways for diagnosis of regional lung diseases. Although proof-of-concept data were acquired on a synchrotron, the low-dose methodology developed lends itself to clinical scanning and offers translational opportunities.