MULTIPLANAR AND 3-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES IN CT - IMPACT ON CHEST DISEASES

The purpose of this review is to capture the current state-of-the art of the technical aspects of multiplanar and three-dimensional (3D) ima ges and their thoracic applications. Planimetric and volumetric analys is resulting from volumetric data acquisitions obviates the limitation s of segmented transverse images. Among the 3D reconstruction techniqu es currently available, the most recently introduced technique, i.e., volume rendering, has to be evaluated in comparison with 3D shaded sur face display and maximum or minimum intensity projection. Slabs are us eful in detecting and localizing micronodular or microtubular patterns and in analyzing mild forms of uneven attenuation of the lungs. Three -dimensional angiography is helpful in the pretherapeutic evaluation a nd posttreatment follow-up of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, i n the comprehension of the postoperative reorientation of the pulmonar y vessels, in the surgical planning of pulmonary tumors, and in the di agnosis of marginated thrombi. The systemic supply to the lung and sup erior vena cava syndromes are also relevant to these techniques. In ac quired or congenital tracheobronchial diseases including stenosis, ext raluminal air and complex airway anatomy, multiplanar and 3D reformati ons have a complementary role to both transaxial images and endoscopy. New developments are also expected in various topics such as 3D confo rmal radiation therapy planning of intraluminal bronchoscopic therapy, virtual endoscopy, and functional imaging of the bronchial tree. Misc ellaneous clinical applications are promising in the analysis of diaph ragmatic morphology and pathophysiology, in the volumetric quantificat ion of the lung parenchyma, and in the vascular components of the thor acic outlet syndromes.