Scientists Unveil 4DMedical Imaging Breakthrough that Spots Early Lung Disease Missed by Standard Tests

LOS ANGELES, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Vanderbilt University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Miami, and The Alfred Hospital studied the lungs of subjects including Veterans using technology developed by 4DMedical called X-ray Velocimetry Lung Ventilation Analysis Software (XV LVAS^®). Findings of the major, multi-center study were described in the article, "X-ray velocimetry provides temporally and spatially-resolved biomarkers of lung ventilation in small airways disease" published in the journal Respiratory Research and showed that 4DMedical's unique lung imaging technology—XV LVAS— can detect early or subtle small airway disease typically undiagnosed with conventional testing.

"We're now able to see the invisible," says Dr. Bradley Richmond, a pulmonologist who along with Dr. Michael Lester co-led the study. "XV LVAS technology gives us a window into parts of the lung we've never been able to assess so precisely before. It could transform care for patients whose symptoms were previously a mystery."

For decades, doctors have depended on breathing tests such as spirometry and CT scans to assess lung health. However, some conditions—particularly those impacting the smallest airways—often go undetected, leaving patients without clear diagnoses or effective treatment. Now, with 4DMedical's XV LVAS technology, clinicians can securely upload fluoroscopy scans for advanced analysis. This innovative system produces detailed, real-time color maps that show how air flows through different lung regions as patients breathe. The results are delivered in clear, easy-to-read reports that integrate into existing clinical workflows.

XV LVAS provides clinicians with more functional lung detail than ever before—spatially resolved, actionable information for more optimized diagnosis and treatment decisions. Using fast, low-dose fluoroscopy XV LVAS offers a validated leap forward in lung diagnostics.

The study revealed several important insights. The XV analysis detected lung problems in patients—including combat veterans—even when standard breathing tests and CT scans indicated normal lung function. The technology also uncovered distinctive patterns linked to the early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition affecting more than 15 million Americans. Furthermore, with its simple, low-radiation scan, XV LVAS allows patients to potentially avoid more invasive procedures, such as biopsies, while providing answers previously inaccessible with other methods.

Now, clinicians can detect disease invisible to spirometry, reduce unnecessary invasive testing, and provide personalized respiratory care—all supported by peer-reviewed research. XV LVAS can make a difference for millions of people dealing with unexplained shortness of breath, including military veterans, COPD patients, and others suffering from hidden forms of lung disease. Already cleared for clinical use in the United States and Australia, this innovative lung scan is now being studied in larger patient groups.

About 4DMedical
4DMedical is a global medical technology company at the forefront of developing tools for cardiopulmonary diagnostics. The company delivers an advanced suite of software imaging solutions that provide clinicians with comprehensive, non-invasive insights into lung and heart function. 4DMedical's SaaS-based technologies enable the visualization and quantification of regional lung ventilation and other critical metrics, all using existing imaging equipment and low-dose scans. 4D is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with U.S. offices in Los Angeles, California.

Veteran with biopsy-confirmed constrictive bronchiolitis, holds XV LVAS® color-mapped image of his lungs.

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