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The University of Southampton
Southampton Respiratory Imaging GroupResearch

Respiratory HRCT imaging projects

We are engaged in a number of projects, the focus of which is the development of new techniques for the automatic quantification of disease state.  From a disease perspective, this work is focusing on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

Pulmonary vessels, coloured by bronchopulmonary segment, for the right upper lobe
Pulmonary vessels

Bronchopulmonary segment detection

We are working on the development of software to allow the automatic detection of the bronchopulmonary segments from anatomical lung imaging by HRCT. When combined with 3D Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scans, these segments will allow us to develop regional functional imaging techniques, allowing the function of the lung to be described on a local, anatomical basis. We are also working on the development of new, advanced algorithms for segmentation of the lungs and the automatic quantification of disease state.

Example of the distrubution of emphysema throughout the lung, of a subject with moderate COPD
Emphysema distribution

Quantification and tracking of disease

We are working on developing new software technology to help with the quantification and tracking of lung diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).  The example image here shows the distribution of emphysema (a condition of COPD) throughout the lung of a subject with moderate COPD.  It is clear that most of the disease is concentrated in the upper lobes.  Accurate quantification and tracking of diseases is essential to increase our understanding of the disease processes and for the development of new treatments.

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