A new study by researchers at Hannover Medical School (Hannover,Germany;www.mhh,de) has led to the discovery of a new CT technology that facilitates a comprehensive,simultaneous analysis of lung structure and function,an achievement beyond the capabilities of standard CT.The researchers developed a chest imaging protocol that provides information about the structure and function of the lungs.

This protocol employs the recently introduced photon-counting CT technology,which allows for high-quality images at a radiation dose lower than that of a standard chest CT.

It also delivers improved spatial resolution and spectral imaging capabilities,which leverage the energy information from X-rays to determine tissue composition.The novel protocol requires advanced software,but no additional hardware.