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Pediatric bronchiectasis: Correlation of HRCT, ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy, and pulmonary function testing
Author(s) -
Pifferi Massimo,
Caramella Davide,
Bulleri Alessandra,
Baldi Simonetta,
Peroni Diego,
Pietrobelli Angelo,
Boner Attilio L.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.20110
Subject(s) - bronchiectasis , medicine , atelectasis , pulmonary function testing , scintigraphy , high resolution computed tomography , lung , radiology , ventilation (architecture) , perfusion , nuclear medicine , mechanical engineering , engineering
Bronchiectasis in children, although occurring with diminished frequency, continues as a major challenge for the pediatric pulmonologist. The method of choice for the diagnosis of the condition is high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The aim of the present study was to correlate the relationship(s) of HRCT, lung function, ventilation lung scintigraphy (VLS), and perfusion lung scintigraphy (PLS) in children with bronchiectasis. Sixteen children ranging in age from 4–18 years with clinical and chest X‐ray evidence of bronchiectasis were enrolled in the study. The degree of bronchiectasis was assessed by HRCT scores, decrease in attenuation on expiratory scans, VLS, and PLS. HRCT scores for bronchiectasis and decreased lung attenuation showed a strong correlation with PLS (ρ = 0.82; P < 0.001) and with VLS (ρ = 0.72; P < 0.01). There was a moderate negative correlation between FEV 1 and HRCT bronchiectasis scores (ρ = −0.53; P = 0.02), decreased lung attenuation score (ρ = −0.64; P = 0.007), and atelectasis score (ρ = −0.54; P = 0.03). In conclusion, HRCT provides a complete and precise assessment of children with bronchiectasis. Ventilation/perfusion scans and lung functions are additive tools to understand the complexity of the disease process and to improve diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 38:298–303. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.