TY - JOUR T1 - Computer Reconstruction of a Human Lung Boundary Model From Magnetic Resonance Images JF - Respiratory Care SP - 180 LP - 185 VL - 49 IS - 2 AU - Ray T Burton AU - Kristin K Isaacs AU - John S Fleming AU - Ted B Martonen Y1 - 2004/02/01 UR - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/49/2/180.abstract N2 - A mathematical description of the morphology of the lung is necessary for modeling and analyzing the deposition of inhaled aerosols. A model of the lung boundary was generated from magnetic resonance images, with the goal of creating a framework for anatomically realistic morphological models of the human airway network. We used data visualization and analysis software to reconstruct the lung volume from a series of transverse magnetic resonance images collected at many vertical locations in the lung, ranging from apex to base. The lung model was then built using isosurface extraction techniques. These modeling methods may facilitate the creation of customized morphological models for individual subjects, resulting in improved interpretation of aerosol distribution data from single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT). Such customized models could be developed for children and for patients with respiratory diseases, thus aiding in the study of inhaled medications and environmental aerosols in these sensitive populations. ER -