OBJECTIVETo assess the possibility of using spirometrically controlled computed tomography (CT) to test pulmonary ventilation function.

METHODSSpiral CT scans under the control of a spirometer were performed on 30 healthy adults. Spiral CT scan was performed at 50% vital capacity (VC) with an 8 mm slice thickness. Mean attenuation values and pixel index (PI) of lung regions were evaluated with semiautomatic evaluation software.

RESULTSThere were significant differences in PI values between four pixel intervals.

CONCLUSIONSSpirometrically controlled spiral CT with semiautomatic evaluation software is an accurate and reproducible method of measuring lung density and PI, which has the possibility of indicating pulmonary ventilation function.