Not Just for Smokers: The Surprising Faces of Lung Disease

The Surprising Faces of Lung Disease

We may all be guilty of picturing the same person when we hear that someone has lung cancer—an older man who smoked for many years. The truth is, millions of people with lung disease have never smoked a single cigarette. Children, women who have never smoked, and even athletes can suffer from life-altering respiratory disorders, too.

Lung Imaging in 2026: How Functional CT and New Investments Are Changing the Game

Lung Function

Lung disease is a global health challenge. Conditions like COPD, emphysema, and lung cancer affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, yet many patients are still being diagnosed too late.  Traditional imaging has focused on structure: identifying nodules, masses, or obvious tissue changes. In 2026, the field is rapidly evolving toward functional insights, understanding not only what the lungs look like but also how they function, region by region. Recent research, industry debate, and major investment activity all point to a pivotal moment in pulmonary imaging.

Catching COPD Early: Why Timing Could Save Your Lungs

Early COPD Detection

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is one of the most common lung conditions in the world—yet it remains deeply underdiagnosed. In the United States alone, over 12.5 million people are known to have COPD, but millions more may be living with it. One of the main reasons for this gap is that early symptoms, such as a lingering cough or shortness of breath, are often easily dismissed. Many people don’t seek help until their breathing problems are severe and irreversible damage has already taken place.

CT:VQ™ Redefines Lung Imaging: FDA Clearance Makes Non-Contrast V/Q Scans a Reality

4DMedical CT:VQ - Then: Structural Only and Now: See the Physiology

In a landmark move for pulmonary diagnostics, 4DMedical’s CT:VQ™ earned FDA 510(k) clearance in September 2025, marking it as the first and only non-contrast ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) imaging solution. The technology is available via routine chest CT scans. With CMS confirming reimbursement under Category III CPT codes (on top of the existing chest CT payment), CT:VQ™ is poised to redefine accessibility and efficiency in functional lung imaging.

4DMedical’s CT:VQ™ Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance; First-and-Only Non-Contrast VQ Imaging

CT:VQ™ Non-Contrast Lung Ventilation Perfusion

4DMedical, a leader in advanced respiratory imaging, today announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for CT:VQ™, the world’s first and only non-contrast, ventilation–perfusion (VQ) imaging solution. In parallel, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has confirmed reimbursement for CT:VQ under Category III CPT codes; this payment is in addition to existing reimbursement for the underlying chest CT.

Understanding Lung Perfusion: What is it? Why does it matter? And how is it measured?

Perfusion Education

Lung health is essential for overall wellbeing. A key aspect of healthy lungs is their ability to efficiently transfer oxygen into the blood. This process relies on both the flow of air (ventilation) and the flow of blood (perfusion) through the lungs. While ventilation is about how well air moves in and out, perfusion refers to the movement of blood through the lungs’ fine network of blood vessels. Both are crucial, but today we’ll take a closer look at lung perfusion: what it is, when and why it’s measured, and how advanced imaging technologies are enhancing our understanding of it.

Addressing the Challenge of UIP—and IPF Diagnosis: A Conversation with Dr. Chung

Dr Chung Interview - AI for Early UIP Detection

Early identification of Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) and diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) remains a significant challenge in pulmonary medicine. Despite advances in imaging and clinical awareness, the process still requires specialized training and experience that isn’t always readily available—especially in non-urban or resource-limited healthcare settings. This gap can delay diagnosis which critically impacts patient outcomes.

In a recent interview hosted by Brian Casey, editor at The Imaging Wire, Dr. Chung, a leading thoracic radiologist, offers valuable perspective on the complexities associated with UIP identification and the essential role of expert interpretation to achieve accurate diagnoses.

Olympus Launches Emphysema Screening Program Powered by 4DMedical, Expanding Early Diagnosis and Treatment Opportunities

Olympus Announces Full Market Release of AI-Powered Emphysema Screening Program

A new peer-reviewed study published in Respiratory Research confirms that 4DMedical’s CT Lung Ventilation Analysis Software (CT LVAS) provides results comparable to those of the gold standard PET method, as well as two additional research techniques for assessing regional lung function. The findings demonstrate a strong association and agreement between 4DMedical’s CT LVAS and PET-ventilation at the lobar level and comparable correlation at the voxel level. Utilizing routine non-contrast CT scans, CT LVAS generates detailed regional ventilation information. This highlights CT LVAS as a safe and contrast-free modality for functional lung imaging, making it an ideal tool for assessing lung function across a range of respiratory conditions.