An LSU Health New Orleans radiologist and evolutionary anatomist have teamed up to show the same techniques used for research on reptile and bird lungs can be used to help confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19 in patients. Their paper published in BMJ Case Reports demonstrates that 3D models are a strikingly clearer method for visually evaluating the distribution of COVID-19-related infection in the respiratory system. Courtesy of LSU Health New Orleans
An LSU Health New Orleans radiologist and evolutionary anatomist have teamed up to show the same techniques used for research on reptile and bird lungs can be used to help confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19 in patients. Their paper published in BMJ Case Reports demonstrates that 3D models are a strikingly clearer method for visually evaluating the distribution of COVID-19-related infection in the respiratory system.
Emma R. Schachner, PhD, associate professor of cell biology and anatomy, and Bradley Spieler, MD, vice chairman of radiology research at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, created 3D digital models from CT scans of patients hospitalized with symptoms associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
Three patients who were suspected of having COVID-19 underwent contrast enhanced thoracic CT when their symptoms worsened. Two had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, but one was reverse transcription chain reaction (RT-PCR) negative. But because this patient had compelling clinical and imaging, the result was presumed to be a false negative.
"An array of RT-PCR sensitivities has been reported, ranging from 30-91%," notes Spieler. "This may be the result of relatively lower viral loads in individuals who are asymptomatic or experience only mild symptoms when tested. Tests performed when symptoms were resolving have also resulted in false negatives, which seemed to be the result in this case."
Given diagnostic challenges with respect to false negative results by RT-PCR, the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnostic screening, CT can be helpful in establishing this diagnosis. Importantly, these CT features can range in form and structure and appear to correlate with disease progression. This allows for 3D segmentation of the data in which lung tissue can be volumetrically quantified or airflow patterns could be modeled.
The CT scans were all segmented into 3D digital surface models using the scientific visualization program Avizo (Thermofisher Scientific) and techniques that the Schachner Lab uses for evolutionary anatomy research.
"The full effect of COVID-19 on the respiratory system remains unknown, but the 3D digital segmented models provide clinicians a new tool to evaluate the extent and distribution of the disease in one encapsulated view," adds Spieler. "This is especially useful in the case where RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 is negative but there is strong clinical suspicion for COVID-19."
To date, there haven't been good models of what COVID is doing to the lungs. So, this project focused on the visualization of the lung damage in the 3D models as compared to previous methods that have been published - volume-rendered models and straight 2D screen shots of CT scans and radiographs.
"Previously published 3D models of lungs with COVID-19 have been created using automated volume rendering techniques," says Schachner. "Our method is more challenging and time consuming, but results in a highly accurate and detailed anatomical model where the layers can be pulled apart, volumes quantified, and it can be 3D printed."
The three models all show varying degrees of COVID-19 related infection in the respiratory tissues - particularly along the back of the lungs, and bottom sections. They more clearly show COVID-19-related infection in the respiratory system compared to radiographs (x-rays), CT scans, or RT-PCR testing alone.
Schachner and Spieler are now segmenting more models for a larger follow-up project.
Source: LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans
487768 279047dress shops that offer discounts are very common in our location and i always shop at them,. 165025
As someone who is passionate about learning and personal growth, I can’t recommend this blog enough. The author’s writing is not only informative and engaging, but also deeply thoughtful and insightful. I appreciate the level of research and attention to detail that goes into each post, and the author’s commitment to providing factual and balanced perspectives. What I love most about this blog is its ability to challenge my assumptions and make me think deeply about important issues. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge on a specific topic or just looking for an interesting read, this blog is an absolute must-read.
This article is a true masterpiece of factual reporting and thoughtful analysis. The author’s attention to detail and commitment to presenting balanced and unbiased perspectives is truly impressive. What I appreciate most about this article is its ability to present complex issues in an accessible and engaging way, making it a valuable resource for readers of all levels. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge or simply looking for an interesting read, this article is a must-read.
It’s rare to come across a blog that consistently delivers high-quality content, but that’s exactly what this blog does. The author’s writing is engaging and thought-provoking, and their commitment to providing well-researched and balanced perspectives is truly commendable. What I appreciate most about this blog is its ability to cover a wide range of topics without sacrificing depth or quality. Whether I’m looking to learn more about a specific subject or just looking for an interesting read, I always turn to this blog.
599838 803942Hey this is kinda of off subject but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or in case you have to manually code with HTML. Im starting a weblog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated! 674184