HIGH-RESOLUTION COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY OF TH E LUNG - FUNDAMENTALS, FINDINGS, INDICATIONS

High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lungs uses thin-sect ion CT (1- to 2-mm collimation scans) combined with a targeted reconst ruction with a high-spatial frequency algorithm. HRCT is currently the most sensitive non-invasive imaging method for parenchymal and bronch oscopically inaccessible bronchial abnormalities of the lung. The foll owing indications for HRCT of the pulmonary parenchyma are established : (1.) complementary examination in symptomatic patients with normal c hest radiographs and/or normal pulmonary function testing; (2.) morpho logic characterization of a nonspecific radiographic pattern; (3.) ass essment of the activity and follow-up of a parenchymal disease; (4.) l ocalization of a lung biopsy; (5.) localization of bronchiectasis.