Diagnostic Utility of 3T Lung MRI in Children with Interstitial Lung Disease: A Prospective Pilot Study

Innovations in Childhood Interstitial and Diffuse Lung Disease

Children's interstitial and diffuse lung diseases (chILDs) are a heterogenous and diverse group of lung disorders presenting during childhood. Infants and children with chILD disorders present with respiratory signs and symptoms as well as diffuse lung imaging abnormalities. ChILD disorders are associated with significant health care resource utilization and high morbidity and mortality. The care of patients with chILD has been improved through multidisciplinary care, multicenter collaboration, and the establishment of patient research networks in the United Stated and abroad. This review details past and current innovations in the diagnosis and clinical care of children with chILD.

Innovations in the care of childhood interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue disease and immune-mediated disorders

Childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) associated with connective tissue and immune mediated disorders is the second most common chILD diagnostic category. As knowledge of the molecular and genetic underpinnings of these rare disorders advances, the recognized clinical spectrum of associated pulmonary manifestations continues to expand. Pulmonary complications of these diseases, including ILD, confer increased risk for morbidity and mortality and contribute to increased complexity for providers tasked with managing the multiple organ systems that can be impacted in these systemic disorders. While pulmonologists play an important role in diagnosis and management of these conditions, thankfully they do not have to work alone. In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of subspecialists, the pulmonary and other systemic manifestations of these conditions can be managed effectively together. The goal of this review is to familiarize the reader with the classic patterns of chILD and other pulmonary complications associated with primary immune-mediated disorders (monogenic inborn errors of immunity) and acquired systemic autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. In addition, this review will highlight current, emerging, and innovative therapeutic strategies and will underscore the important role of multidisciplinary management to improving outcomes for these patients.

Advancements in imaging in ChILD

Interstitial and diffuse lung diseases in children constitute a range of congenital and acquired disorders. These disorders present with signs and symptoms of respiratory disease accompanied by diffuse radiographic changes. In many cases, radiographic findings are nonspecific, while in other disorders, chest computed tomography (CT) is diagnostic in the appropriate context. Regardless, chest imaging remains central in the evaluation of the patient with suspected childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD). Several newly described chILD entities, spanning both genetic and acquired etiologies, have imaging that aid in their diagnoses. Advances in CT scanning technology and CT analysis techniques continue to improve scan quality as well as expand use of chest CT as a research tool. Finally, ongoing research is expanding use of imaging modalities without ionizing radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging is being applied to investigate pulmonary structure and function, and ultrasound of the lung and pleura is a novel technique with an emerging role in chILD disorders. This review describes the current state of imaging in chILD including recently described diagnoses, advances in conventional imaging techniques and applications, and evolving new imaging modalities that expand the clinical and research roles for imaging in these disorders.

A clinically-recommended MR whole lung imaging protocol using free-breathing 3D isotropic zero echo time sequence

Rationale and objectives

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and image quality of free-breathing 3D isotropic zero echo time (ZTE) whole-lung imaging and explore a clinically appropriate protocol for MR lung imaging.

Materials and methods

The study was approved by the local ethics committee. A total of thirty healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study from October 2022 to May 2023. Free-breathing pulmonary 3D isotropic ZTE scans were implemented with various acquisition planes and the number of excitations (NEX). ZTE images were evaluated by two radiologists for the overall Image quality and visibility of intrapulmonary structures as well as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the lung parenchyma. ZTE images with different acquisition parameters were compared. For preliminary clinical visual assessment, three patients with interstitial lung disease underwent both ZTE imaging and computed tomography (CT).

Results

The overall image quality of the lung in healthy subjects was good to excellent. The visibilities of pulmonary arteries and bronchus were up to the 7th and 5th generation, respectively. The display of lung fissures was poor. The overall image quality, the visibility of the pulmonary artery, and lung fissures in the axial acquisition were better than in the coronal acquisition (P = 0.011, 0.008, 0.010, respectively) but not statistically different from those in the sagittal acquisition (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The free-breathing pulmonary ZTE is feasible and may serve as an alternative method in chest imaging. Either axial or sagittal ZTE image acquisition would be preferred in clinical practice.

MDCT and MRI in Bronchiectasis in Older Children and Young Adults - A Non-Inferiority Trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare and evaluate the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography (CT) in bronchiectasis; to compare MRI and CT scores with pulmonary function tests (PFT) and to evaluate the role of Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in bronchiectasis.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 25 patients between 7-21 y of age with a clinical/radiological diagnosis of bronchiectasis underwent MDCT and MRI chest. MRI and CT scoring was performed using modified Bhalla-Helbich's score by two independent radiologists for all parameters. A final consensus score was recorded. The overall image quality of different MRI sequences to identify pathologies was also assessed. Appropriate statistical tests were used for inter-observer agreements, and correlation amongst CT and MRI; as well as CT, MRI and PFT.

RESULTS

Strong agreement (ICC 0.80-0.95) between CT and MRI was seen for extent and severity of bronchiectasis, number of bullae, sacculation/abscess, emphysema, collapse/ consolidation, mucus plugging, and mosaic perfusion. Overall CT and MRI scores had perfect concordance (ICC 0.978). Statistically significant (p-value <0.01) intra-observer and inter-observer agreement for all CT and MRI score parameters were seen. A strong negative correlation was seen between total CT and MRI severity scores and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow (FEF) 25-75%. DWI MR, with an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) cut-off of 1.62 × 10-3 mm3/s had a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 75% in detecting true mucus plugs.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI with DWI can be considered as a radiation-free alternative in the diagnostic algorithm for assessment of lung changes in bronchiectasis, especially in follow-up.

Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in thoracic tuberculosis in the pediatric population: moving beyond conventional radiology

Imaging is crucial in the diagnostic work-up and follow-up after treatment in children with thoracic tuberculosis (TB). Despite various technological advances in imaging modalities, chest radiography is the primary imaging modality for initial care and in emergency settings, especially in rural areas and where resources are limited. Ultrasonography (US) of the thorax in TB is one of the emerging applications of US as a radiation-free modality in children. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the ideal radiation-free, emerging imaging modality for thoracic TB in children. However, only limited published data is available regarding the utility of MRI in thoracic TB. In this pictorial review, we demonstrate the use of US and rapid lung MRI in evaluating children with thoracic TB, specifically for mediastinal lymphadenopathy and pulmonary complications of TB.

Radiological Imaging in Chest Diseases: Moving Away from Conventional Modes

A chest radiograph is the most common and the initial radiological investigation for evaluating a child presenting with respiratory complaints. However, performing and interpreting chest radiography optimally requires training and skill. With the relatively easy availability of computed tomography (CT) scanning and more recently multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), these investigations are often performed. Although these can be the cross-sectional imaging modalities of choice in certain situations where detailed and exact anatomical and etiological information is required, both these investigations are associated with increased radiation exposure which has more detrimental effects on children, especially when repeated follow-up imaging is necessary to assess the disease status. Ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have evolved as radiation-free radiological investigations for evaluating the pediatric chest pathologies over the last few years. In the present review article, the utility and the current status, as well as the limitations of USG and MRI for evaluation of pediatric chest pathologies, are discussed. Radiology has grown beyond having just the diagnostic capabilities in managing children with chest disorders in the last two decades. Image-guided therapeutic procedures (percutaneous and endovascular) are routinely performed in children with pathologies in the mediastinum and lungs. The commonly performed image-guided pediatric chest interventions, including biopsies, fine needle aspiration, drainage procedures and therapeutic endovascular procedures, are also discussed in the current review.

Long COVID in Children: A Multidisciplinary Review

Long COVID syndrome has emerged as a long-lasting consequence of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults. In addition, children may be affected by Long COVID, with potential clinical issues in different fields, including problems in school performance and daily activities. Yet, the pathophysiologic bases of Long COVID in children are largely unknown, and it is difficult to predict who will develop the syndrome. In this multidisciplinary clinical review, we summarise the latest scientific data regarding Long COVID and its impact on children. Special attention is given to diagnostic tests, in order to help the physicians to find potential disease markers and quantify impairment. Specifically, we assess the respiratory, upper airways, cardiac, neurologic and motor and psychological aspects. Finally, we also propose a multidisciplinary clinical approach.

Comparison of chest computed tomography and 3-T magnetic resonance imaging results in patients with common variable immunodeficiency

Background

Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have an increased incidence of pulmonary infections and require frequent follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with CVID.

Material and Methods

In this prospective study, 3-T MRI was performed in 20 patients with CVID. The patients were imaged with CT and MRI scans on the same day. The MRI protocol included a T2-weighted HASTE sequence (TR=1400 ms, TE=95 ms, slice thickness (ST)=3 mm), T2-weighted BLADE sequence (TR=5379 ms, TE=100 ms, ST=3 mm), and 3D VIBE sequence (TR=3.9 ms, TE=1.32 ms, ST=3 mm). Mediastinal and parenchymal changes were compared. A modified Bhalla scoring system was used in the evaluation of CT and MRI scans.

Results

A total of 17 (85%) patients had parenchymal abnormalities identified by CT or MRI. Similar findings were detected with CT and MRI in the assessment of the severity of bronchiectasis ( P=0.083), bronchial wall thickening ( P=0.157), and mucus plugging ( P=0.250). Consolidations were detected with both modalities in all patients. There was excellent concordance between the two modalities in the evaluation of nodules >5 mm (nodule size 5–10 mm, P=0.317; nodule size >10 mm, P=1). However, MRI failed to detect most of the small nodules (<5 mm).

Conclusion

3-T MRI detected mediastinal and parenchymal alterations in patients with CVID and provided findings that correlated well with CT. Despite a few limitations, MRI is a well-suited radiation-free technique for patients requiring longitudinal imaging.

Late pulmonary complications related to cancer treatment in children

As the number of childhood cancer survivors increases, a heightened awareness and recognition of therapy-related late effects is becoming more important. Pulmonary complications are the third leading cause of late mortality in cancer survivors. Diagnosis of these complications on chest imaging helps facilitate prompt treatment to mitigate adverse outcomes. In this review, we summarize the imaging of late pulmonary complications of cancer therapy in children and highlight characteristic findings that should be recognized by radiologists.

Practical protocol for lung magnetic resonance imaging and common clinical indications

Imaging speed, spatial resolution and availability have made CT the favored cross-sectional imaging modality for evaluating various respiratory diseases of children - but only for the price of a radiation exposure. MRI is increasingly being appreciated as an alternative to CT, not only for offering three-dimensional (3-D) imaging without radiation exposure at only slightly inferior spatial resolution, but also for its superior soft-tissue contrast and exclusive morpho-functional imaging capacities beyond the scope of CT. Continuing technical improvements and experience with this so far under-utilized modality contribute to a growing acceptance of MRI for an increasing number of indications, in particular for pediatric patients. This review article provides the reader with practical easy-to-use protocols for common clinical indications in children. This is intended to encourage pediatric radiologists to appreciate the new horizons for applications of this rapidly evolving technique in the field of pediatric respiratory diseases.

Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease: Imaging Guidelines and Recommendations

Childhood interstitial lung disease (ChILD) is an umbrella term encompassing a diverse group of diffuse lung diseases affecting infants and children. Although the timely and accurate diagnosis of ChILD is often challenging, it is optimally achieved through the multidisciplinary integration of imaging findings with clinical data, genetics, and potentially lung biopsy. This article reviews the definition and classification of ChILD; the role of imaging, pathology, and genetics in ChILD diagnosis; treatment options; and future goals. In addition, a practical approach to ChILD imaging based on the latest available research and the characteristic imaging appearance of ChILD entities are presented.

Pulmonary Imaging of Immunocompromised Patients during Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation using Non-Contrast-Enhanced Three-Dimensional Ultrashort Echo Time (3D-UTE) MRI

PURPOSE

 To evaluate the feasibility of non-contrast-enhanced three-dimensional ultrashort echo time (3D-UTE) MRI for pulmonary imaging in immunocompromised patients during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

 MRI was performed using a stack-of-spirals 3D-UTE sequence (slice thickness: 2.34mm; matrix: 256 × 256; acquisition time: 12.7-17.6 seconds) enabling imaging of the entire thorax within single breath-holds. Patients underwent MRI before HSCT initiation, in the case of periprocedural pneumonia, before discharge, and in the case of re-hospitalization. Two readers separately assessed the images regarding presence of pleural effusions, ground glass opacities (GGO), and consolidations on a per lung basis. A T2-weighted (T2w) multi-shot Turbo Spin Echo sequence (BLADE) was acquired in coronal orientation during breath-hold (slice thickness: 6.00mm; matrix: 320 × 320; acquisition time: 3.1-5.5 min) and read on a per lesion basis. Low-dose CT scans in inspiration were used as reference and were read on a per lung basis. Only scans performed within a maximum of three days were included in the inter-method analyses. Interrater agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of 3D-UTE MRI were calculated.

RESULTS

 67 MRI scans of 28 patients were acquired. A reference CT examination was available for 33 scans of 23 patients. 3D-UTE MRI showed high sensitivity and specificity regarding pleural effusions (n = 6; sensitivity, 92 %; specificity, 100 %) and consolidations (n = 22; sensitivity 98 %, specificity, 86 %). Diagnostic performance was lower for GGO (n = 9; sensitivity, 63 %; specificity, 84 %). Accuracy rates were high (pleural effusions, 98 %; GGO, 79 %; consolidations 94 %). Interrater agreement was substantial for consolidations and pleural effusions (κ = 0.69-0.82) and moderate for GGO (κ = 0.54). Compared to T2w imaging, 3D-UTE MRI depicted the assessed pathologies with at least equivalent quality and was rated superior regarding consolidations and GGO in ~50 %.

CONCLUSION

 Non-contrast 3D-UTE MRI enables radiation-free assessment of typical pulmonary complications during HSCT procedure within a single breath-hold. Yet, CT was found to be superior regarding the identification of pure GGO changes.

KEY POINTS

  · 3D-UTE MRI of the thorax can be acquired within a single breath-hold.. · 3D-UTE MRI provides diagnostic imaging of pulmonary consolidations and pleural effusions.. · 3D-UTE sequences improve detection rates of ground glass opacities on pulmonary MRI.. · 3D-UTE MRI depicts pulmonary pathologies at least equivalent to T2-weighted Blade sequence..

CITATION FORMAT

· Metz C, Böckle D, Heidenreich JF et al. Pulmonary Imaging of Immunocompromised Patients during Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation using Non-Contrast-Enhanced Three-Dimensional Ultrashort Echo Time (3D-UTE) MRI. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; DOI: 10.1055/a-1535-2341.

Model-based iterative reconstruction in paediatric head computed tomography: a pilot study on dose reduction in children

Purpose

To evaluate the potential of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) on dose reduction and image quality in children undergoing computed tomography (CT) head examinations.

Material and methods

This prospective study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. A total of 88 children (age range of 5 to 16 years) with a history of seizures underwent contrast-enhanced CT scan. Forty-one children underwent CT study according to the MBIR technique, while 47 children underwent CT of the head with the non-MBIR protocol. Images were reviewed by 2 blinded paediatric radiologists in a random order. Mean dose-length product, CT dose index (CTDI) volume, and mean effective dose were recorded for both groups. Image quality, image noise, and diagnostic acceptability of 2 image sets were also recorded.

Results

In the MBIR group, the mean dose-length product was reduced by 79.8%; the mean CTDI volume was reduced by 88.5%, while the mean effective dose was reduced by 81% when compared to the non-MBIR group. No significant difference was seen in diagnostic acceptability, image noise, and image quality between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

MBIR technique is highly effective in reducing radiation dose in paediatric head CT examinations without any significant difference in image quality, image noise, and diagnostic acceptability.

Chest MRI as an emerging modality in the evaluation of empyema in children with specific indications: Pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the diagnostic role of chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating empyema in children with specific indications.

METHODS

Nineteen children (5-16 years) with a diagnosis of empyema were enrolled in this prospective study from January 2018 to February 2020. MRI and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of the chest was performed within 48 h of each other. Two pediatric radiologists independently evaluated the MRI and CT images for the presence of fluid and air in the pleural cavity, septations within the fluid, pleural thickening, pleural enhancement, drainage tube tip localization, consolidation, and lymphadenopathy. Kappa test of agreement was used to determine the agreement between the MRI and MDCT findings. Chance-corrected kappa statistics were used for calculating the interobserver variation.

RESULTS

The kappa test showed almost perfect agreement (κ = 1) between MRI and MDCT for detecting fluid, pleural thickening, pleural enhancement, drainage tube tip localization, consolidation, and lymphadenopathy. Septations within the fluid were detected in 16 (84.2%) patients on MRI, and in 14 (73.7%) patients on MDCT. Almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.81-1.00) was seen for all the findings on CT and MRI between the two radiologists, except for pleural thickening for which a strong agreement (κ = 0.642) was observed.

CONCLUSION

MRI is comparable to MDCT for the detection of various findings in children with empyema. MRI may be considered in lieu of CT, as a problem-solving tool and as a radiation-reducing endeavor in children with empyema, specifically, only where CT is required for preoperative planning and evaluation of complications.

Lung MRI in Children: The Road Less Travelled

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lungs is one of the most underutilized imaging modality when it comes to imaging of thoracic diseases in children. This is largely due to less-than-optimal image quality and multiple technical challenges involved with MRI of the lungs. Advances in MRI technology along with increased awareness about optimization of MR protocol have led to it being viewed as a feasible option for evaluation of various chest diseases in children. This short review article takes the reader to the road less travelled to explore newer horizons for applications of this rapidly evolving magnetic resonance technique in the field of thoracic diseases in children.

Pediatric Lung MRI: Currently Available and Emerging Techniques

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review currently available and emerging techniques for pediatric lung MRI for general radiologists. CONCLUSION. MRI is a radiation-free alternative to CT, and clearly understanding the strengths and limitations of established and emerging techniques of pediatric lung MRI can allow practitioners to select and combine the optimal techniques, apply them in clinical practice, and potentially improve early diagnostic accuracy and patient management.

Chest computed tomography findings for a cohort of children with pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to describe the spectrum of lung computed-tomography (CT) findings in children with pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) and to evaluate for this population the CT-scan nodule and cyst scores proposed by adult pulmonologists at diagnosis and during follow-up.

METHODS

Among 175 children with PLCH identified in the French national population-based Langerhans cell histiocytosis cohort, 60 were retrospectively selected by the availability of CT for a central review by three pediatric radiologists. These 60 patients are representative of childhood PLCH for almost all clinical aspects, except a lower percentage of risk organ involvement (38% vs 54%; P = 0.05).

RESULTS

The 60 children's chest CT scans (n = 218) were reviewed. At diagnosis, 63% of them had nodules, 53% had cysts, and 29% had both. The percentages of patients with nodules or cysts increased from diagnosis to peak disease activity, respectively, from 63% to 73% and from 53% to 66%. The costophrenic angle was involved in 71%. Patients with pneumothorax (25%) had a higher median cyst score. Alveolar consolidation was observed in 34%. Patients with low CT-scan nodule and cyst scores had no long-term pulmonary sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Well-known characteristics of adult PLCH (nodules and cysts) were observed in children. The chest CT scores proposed by adult pulmonologists could easily be applied to childhood PLCH. Lesions in children, unlike those in adults, are frequently located near the costophrenic angles. Alveolar consolidation might be considered an atypical feature of childhood PLCH.

Pediatric SARS, H1N1, MERS, EVALI, and Now Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pneumonia: What Radiologists Need to Know

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review new pediatric lung disorders-including disorders that have occurred in recent years years such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), swine-origin influenza A (H1N1), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia-to enhance understanding of the characteristic imaging findings. CONCLUSION. Although the clinical symptoms of SARS, H1N1, MERS, EVALI, and COVID-19 pneumonia in pediatric patients may be nonspecific, some characteristic imaging findings have emerged or are currently emerging. It is essential for radiologists to have a clear understanding of the characteristic imaging appearances of these lung disorders in pediatric patients to ensure optimal patient care.

Interstitial Lung Diseases in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: Different from Infants and Older Adults

Childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) in children, teenagers, and young adults presents a challenge to the clinicians and radiologist, given its rarity, diverse imaging manifestations, and often nonspecific clinical examination findings. This article discusses the utility of available imaging techniques and associated characteristic imaging findings, and reviews the 2015 chILD classification scheme, with clinical examples highlighting the imaging features to help the radiologist aid in an efficient and accurate multidisciplinary diagnosis of chILD.

Diagnostic accuracy of 3-T lung magnetic resonance imaging in human immunodeficiency virus-positive children

BACKGROUND

More than 70% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive children sustain respiratory diseases in their lifetime. Imaging plays an important role in establishing early and correct diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3-Tesla (T) thorax MRI in HIV-positive children, using chest CT as the gold standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 25 children with confirmed HIV-positive status and pulmonary complaints who were referred for chest CT. All children had 3-T thorax MRI using T2-W turbo spin-echo sequence, steady-state free precession gradient echo sequence, T2-W turbo spin-echo MultiVane XD sequence, and T1-weighted modified Dixon sequences. We evaluated the images for various pulmonary and mediastinal findings and calculated the sensitivity and specificity of 3-T thoracic MRI.

RESULTS

Sensitivity of 3-T MRI was 100% for detecting nodules >4 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 66.3-100%), pleural effusion (CI 29.2-100%) and lymphadenopathy (CI 81.5-100%). It demonstrated a specificity of 100% for nodules >4 mm (CI 79.4-100%), pleural effusion (CI 84.6-100%) and lymphadenopathy (CI 59-100%). For consolidation/collapse, sensitivity and specificity were 93.8% (CI 69.8-99.8%) and 88.9% (CI 51.8-99.7%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting bronchiectasis were 75% (CI 42.8-94.5%) and 100% (CI 75.3-100%), respectively, while for ground-glass opacity, sensitivity and specificity were 75% (CI 34.9-96.8%) and 94.1% (CI 71.3-99.9%), respectively. Nodules <4 mm were not well detected on MRI, with sensitivity of 35% (CI 15.4-59.2%).

CONCLUSION

Thoracic MRI at 3 T demonstrates a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting nodules >4 mm, effusion and lymphadenopathy in HIV-positive children.

Prospective Comparison of MRI and Contrast-Enhanced MDCT for Evaluation of Pediatric Pulmonary Hydatid Disease: Added Diagnostic Value of MRI

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to prospectively investigate the diagnostic accuracy and added value of fast MRI for evaluating pulmonary hydatid disease in children by comparing fast MRI findings with MDCT findings. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Twenty-eight consecutive children (24 boys and four girls; mean age ± SD, 8.93 ± 3.1 years; range, 5-17 years) with clinically suspected pulmonary hydatid disease were enrolled in this prospective research study for the period from October 2012 to July 2018. Fast MRI without contrast material and contrast-enhanced MDCT of the chest were performed within 48 hours of each other in all children. Two pediatric radiologists independently evaluated the lungs for the presence of consolidation, nodule, and mass (solid vs cyst). Cysts were further evaluated for the presence of fluid, air, and an internal membrane. The accuracies of fast MRI and MDCT for detecting pulmonary hydatid disease were obtained and compared. Interobserver agreement was measured with the kappa coefficient. RESULTS. The accuracy of fast MRI and MDCT for detecting pulmonary hydatid cyst was 92.86%. There was no difference between fast MRI and MDCT for accurately detecting pulmonary hydatid cyst (p < 0.001). Internal membranes were detected in 11 of 28 patients (39.28%) with fast MRI and three of 28 patients (10.71%) with MDCT. Almost perfect interobserver agreement was present between the two independent reviewers (κ = 1). CONCLUSION. Fast MRI without contrast material is comparable to contrast-enhanced MDCT for accurately detecting lung cysts in pediatric patients with pulmonary hydatid disease. However, fast MRI provides added diagnostic value by showing internal membranes of cysts, which is specific to pulmonary hydatid disease.

Childhood Interstitial (Diffuse) Lung Disease: Pattern Recognition Approach to Diagnosis in Infants

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to discuss imaging techniques and a pattern-based approach for diagnosing childhood interstitial (diffuse) lung diseases in infants. CONCLUSION. Childhood interstitial (diffuse) lung disease in infants consists of a heterogeneous group of disorders previously classified with clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features. By use of an imaging-guided algorithm, the assessment of lung volumes and the presence of ground-glass opacities or cysts can assist the radiologist in making an accurate and timely diagnosis.