As COPD continues to grow as a global health burden—predicted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to become the third leading cause of death by 2030—innovative AI-driven medical imaging technologies are rapidly advancing diagnosis, staging, and treatment. In a recent Radiology Today article, “Breathing Room,” writer Beth W. Orenstein explores how clinicians are increasingly relying on advanced CT imaging solutions that overcome the limitations of traditional lung function testing methods such as spirometry, which can be uncomfortable and challenging for patients, particularly elderly and those with impaired lung capacity.
The article highlights 4DMedical’s significant contributions, showcasing products such as CT Lung Ventilation Analysis Software (CT LVAS), which non-invasively quantifies regional lung function and ventilation heterogeneity, and Lung Density Analysis (LDAf and LDAi), designed specifically to visualize critical COPD-related findings such as air trapping and emphysema. These advanced imaging tools provide clinicians with comprehensive, personalized reports that not only enhance diagnostic accuracy but also encourage patient education and smoking cessation.