Rationalization of the optimal views in planar lung scintigraphy

A knowledge of the segmental anatomy of the lungs is the cornerstone for in terpreting lung scintigraphy. Many attempts have been made to determine the best views for the appreciation of segmental defects and various theories have been formulated to explain the mechanisms of this process. In earlier work, we hypothesized that the arrangements of the segments was the princip al determinant of this process. However, data subsequently derived from wor k on a model of diffuse lung disease indicates that the external shape of t he lobes and lungs may be the most significant contributor to the optimal v iews of the lungs. ((C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins).