Low-dose high-resolution CT of the chest in children and young adults: dose, cooperation, artifact incidence, and image quality

OBJECTIVE

The radiation dose, artifact incidence, and image quality of high-resolution chest CT examinations performed with standard and low doses and patient cooperation were investigated in children and young adults.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Three successive controlled studies were conducted in different groups of children and young adults, totaling 203 patients. Dosimetry of high-resolution CT was performed at 180, 50, and 34 mAs in three groups of 25 patients. Streak artifact incidence using alternating 50- and 34-mAs slices was assessed and correlated with patient compliance with breath-holding commands in 44 children. Image quality was evaluated in scans obtained with 34 versus 180 mAs in cooperative patients (n = 42) and in scans obtained with 50 versus 180 mAs in noncooperative patients (n = 42). Artifacts and image quality were assessed by controlled repeated interpretations.

RESULTS

Radiation dose was 5.4+/-1.6 mSv for 180 mAs, 1.5+/-0.5 mSv for 50 mAs, and 1.1+/-0.3 mSv for 34 mAs. Cooperation was obtained in 66% of the patients. Artifacts were more frequently seen in scans of noncooperative patients (30%) and in 34-mAs scans (47%); the highest incidence was found using 34 mAs in noncooperative patients (60%, p = 0.02). No differences in image quality scores were seen in scans obtained with 50 mAs versus those obtained with 180 mAs in noncooperative patients (p<0.05), and small differences were found in scans obtained with 34 mAs versus those obtained with 180 mAs in cooperative patients for fissures (p = 0.005) and peripheral structures (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Low-dose high-resolution CT provided a significant reduction in radiation dose (72% for 50 mAs and 80% for 34 mAs) and good-quality images of the lung when performed with 50 mAs in noncooperative and 34 mAs in cooperative pediatric and young adult patients.

Cervicothoracic lesions in infants and children

Cervicothoracic lesions are not uncommon in children. All cervicothoracic lesions except superficial lesions extend from the neck to the thorax through the thoracic inlet. Evaluation of this area involves multiple imaging modalities: plain radiography, ultrasonography, nuclear medicine, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. However, MR imaging is the method of choice for assessing the full extents of cervicothoracic lesions and their relationships to neurovascular structures. Cervicothoracic lesions can be classified as congenital lesions, inflammatory lesions, benign tumors, malignant tumors, and traumatic lesions. Lymphangioma is the most common cervicothoracic mass in children; other congenital lesions include hemangioma, thymic cyst, and vascular anomalies. Inflammatory adenopathy reactive to tuberculosis, mononucleosis, tularemia, cat-scratch fever, infection with human immunodeficiency virus, or other upper respiratory tract infections can manifest as cervicothoracic lesions; tuberculous abscesses and abscesses of other origins can also be seen. Lipoma, lipoblastoma, aggressive fibromatosis, and nerve sheath tumors (either isolated lesions or those associated with neurofibromatosis) can also occur as cervicothoracic masses. Malignant cervicothoracic tumors include lymphoma, thyroid carcinoma, neuroblastoma, and chest wall tumors (rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and neuroectodermal tumor). Traumatic cervicothoracic lesions include pneumomediastinum of traumatic origin, traumatic pharyngeal pseudodiverticulum, esophageal foreign-body granuloma, and cervicothoracic hematoma.

Pediatric pancreas: an overview

Pancreatic disorders are not rare in children. Modern imaging equipment allows recognition of many pancreatic diseases that were difficult to identify in the past and therefore were considered to be unusual. Within the scope of this article we include information on imaging modalities for studying the pancreas and a description of the radiologic manifestations of the most common congenital, inflammatory, tumoral, traumatic and systemic disorders.

Spectrum of manifestations of Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome

PURPOSE

The clinical and imaging findings of children with Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome (SJMS) were reviewed to determine the incidence and type of bronchiectasis and analyze whether the clinical course of patients with bronchiectasis differed from that of patients without bronchiectasis.

METHOD

Our study population consisted of 13 patients. All had inspiratory/ expiratory chest X-ray films, chest CT, and lung scans. Eight underwent pulmonary function test. The results of these studies at diagnosis and during follow-up were analyzed and compared with the clinical features.

RESULTS

Bronchiectasis was demonstrated in nine patients, being saccular in five and cylindrical in four. Expiratory slices were helpful for demonstrating bilateral lung involvement that had not been suspected on inspiratory CT scans or conventional radiographs. The clinical features of the five patients with saccular bronchiectasis resembled those of patients with classic postviral bronchiectasis who suffered recurrent pulmonary infections; three of them underwent lobectomy. The remaining patients presented mild respiratory symptoms, with a spontaneous tendency toward improvement.

CONCLUSION

SJMS should be considered as a spectrum disease. Bronchiectasis is not a universal finding. The presence and type of bronchiectasis will influence clinical manifestations and prognosis. Patients without bronchiectasis or with cylindrical bronchiectasis had a lower incidence of pneumonia episodes than those with saccular bronchiectasis.

Spontaneous involution of pulmonary sequestration in children: a report of two cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Two cases of pulmonary sequestration which regressed spontaneously are presented.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the value of imaging studies in the diagnosis and follow-up of some forms of congenital masses of the lung in asymptomatic patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the clinical records and imaging studies of two asymptomatic children, one newborn and the other 3 months old, with thoracic masses which demonstrated variable degrees of spontaneous involution.

RESULTS

Abdominal ultrasound performed on the newborn with a palpable mass showed a triangular echogenic mass with a large central feeding vessel arising from the aorta. The mass had disappeared on follow-up US exam performed 6 years later. CT was performed in the 3-month-old patient with a persistent retrocardiac mass. A soft-tissue density mass in the left pulmonary base with a large feeding vessel arising from the aorta was visualised on contrast-enhanced CT. Five years later, a new CT scan showed significant shrinkage of the mass and no vessel.

CONCLUSION

Radiological techniques such as real-time US with Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced CT may establish the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration by demonstrating the mass and its systemic vessel, thereby eliminating the need for more aggressive imaging procedures. Partial or total disappearance of these masses represents a further example of involutive pathology and suggests that not all cases of pulmonary sequestration should be surgically treated.

Non-operative management of traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts associated with pancreatic duct laceration in children

Objective. To assess the successful non-operative management in traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts (TPP) associated with duct laceration in children. Surgical therapy (cystogastrostomy or distal pancreatectomy with splenic salvage) has been classically considered the treatment of choice for those pseudocysts. Materials and methods. This report presents the clinical and imaging findings in two children with TPP and pancreatic duct disruption observed either on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or injection via catheter drainage. Results. Both children responded to long-term cyst drainage. Conclusion. Although the experience is limited, the authors suggest that pancreatic injury associated with duct laceration can respond to non-operative management.

Sonography of the eye in children: imaging findings

Real-time sonography is a well-accepted technique for evaluating abnormalities of the eye. Most previous reports on sonography of the eye have been in adults [1]. In this pictorial essay, we illustrate normal and abnormal findings of ocular sonography in children.

US, CT, and MR imaging of neck lesions in children

Neck lesions are common findings in pediatric patients and can be classified as congenital, vascular, inflammatory, or tumoral. They can be evaluated with ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, either alone or in combination. US should be considered first for studying suspected congenital, vascular, and inflammatory lesions, although CT and MR imaging are best for demonstrating the extent of benign and malignant tumors and the presence or absence of bone erosion, vascular encasement, and airway compromise. MR imaging is also preferred for ruling out intracranial and intraspinal extension (eg, as occurs in rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma, respectively). In the authors' experience, thyroglossal duct cysts and lymphangioma are the most common congenital anomalies; jugular vein aneurysms are the most common vascular lesion; lymphadenitis is the most common inflammatory lesion; fibromatosis colli is the most common benign tumor or tumorlike condition; and lymphoma is the most common malignant neoplasm.

Selective intubation in a case of cystic adenomatoid malformation

Images

Worklists, preloading and archiving strategies; 3 years of clinical experience in the Barcelona PACS

We present data on 3 years of clinical experience using PACS involving developments on worklists, preloading and archiving strategies in a teaching paediatric hospital with all modalities connected to a commercial PACS. A method allowing generation of and handling of different worklists for computed radiography examinations has been developed in our centre. Worklists and archiving strategies are presented and discussed. We conclude that, with adequate worklists and efficient preloading implementation, current PACS could be used successfully in several clinical settings of a multimodality department.

Renal calcifications in patients with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease: prevalence and cause

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the prevalence of renal calcifications in children with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease and studied the metabolic changes that could cause this complication.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Nine patients with known autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease were examined with sonography and CT and screened for biochemical evidence of metabolic causes of nephrocalcinosis.

RESULTS

CT showed bilateral renal calcifications in seven of the nine patients. The two patients without renal calcifications were less than 1 year old. Four patients had only a few calcifications and three patients had many. The severity of the renal calcifications correlated with the degree of kidney failure. All patients with kidney failure were found to have urine acidification defects. Hypocitraturia was present in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that renal calcifications are common in older children with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. Hypocitraturia and the urine acidification defect resulting from kidney failure are the leading factors in the pathogenesis of the calcifications.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma with extracutaneous lesions

The purpose of this article is to present a case of juvenile xanthogranuloma with pulmonary, retroperitoneal and splenic involvement. The similar echographic pattern of the cutaneous and visceral lesions was very helpful in order to suggest the correct diagnosis.

Intrahepatic biliary stones in children

Intrahepatic biliary stones in seven non-Oriental patients were studied in all by sonography, in four patients by computed tomography and in four patients by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. For patients had extrahepatic biliary atresia treated with portoenterostomies, one patient had undergone partial liver transplantation and of the remaining two, one had cystic fibrosis and the other immunodeficiency syndrome. All sonograms were abnormal and showed echogenic foci within the liver, with or without associated signs of biliary tract dilatation. CT confirmed the biliary tract dilatation yet calculi were identified in one patient only. PTC was particularly helpful in the patient with immunodeficiency in whom features typical of sclerosing cholangitis were found. This report emphasizes the variable radiological appearance of bile stones which to our knowledge have rarely been described in children with entities other than Oriental cholangitis.

Sonographic diagnosis of adrenal hemorrhage in patients with fulminant meningococcal septicemia

We report two patients with fulminant meningococcal septicemia, in whom massive bilateral adrenal hemorrhages were diagnosed by ultrasound. Low plasma cortisol levels were found in one patient who eventually died. The other patient survived and has remained asymptomatic for the last three years. His adrenal function is normal. We suggest that routine ultrasound examination should be performed in patients with meningococcal sepsis and shock in order to clarify the prevalence of a renal hemorrhage. Determination of plasma cortisol levels in patients with adrenal hemorrhage, would allow identification of those with adrenal insufficiency who may benefit from steroid replacement.

CT of congenital malformations of the lung

We reviewed 40 cases of congenital malformations of the lung that were studied with both plain radiography and computed tomography (CT). We compared the CT findings with those of radiography. We found that CT was helpful in the management of these cases because it helped confirm the diagnosis, demonstrated unsuspected findings, and better depicted anatomic extent of anomalies, thus allowing better planning for surgery. We believe that CT is the method of choice for the study of congenital lung malformations and that it should be used before more invasive procedures such as bronchography or aortography.

Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification: unusual features

Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (IIAC) is a rare disease of unknown etiology, which causes widespread arterial calcification and usually leads to early death from coronary arterial occlusion. Periarticular calcification has been reported in some cases. Two new cases are reported. In addition to the usual features of the disease, one was found to have ear-lobe calcification and the other an aortic aneurysm and coarctation of the aorta. Therapy with diphosphonate was apparently successful in one patient.

Congenital pyriform sinus fistula: a cause of acute left-sided suppurative thyroiditis and neck abscess in children

Acute bacterial thyroiditis or neck abscesses in children can be caused by infection through pyriform sinus fistulae which usually originate from the tip of the left pyriform sinus. They are thought to be remnants of either the third or fourth pharyngeal pouches. CT, ultrasound and gastrointestinal contrast studies are all useful in clarifying the pathological process and showing the extent.

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung. Presentation of 16 cases

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung is one of the rarest causes of neonatal distress. The principal radiological sign of CCAM is an intrapulmonary mass of soft tissue density, containing cystic areas of different sizes and shapes. The mass usually compresses the rest of the affected lung and displaces the mediastinum and heart to the opposite side, compressing the lung which is often therefore hypoplastic. If CCAM is diagnosed in utero by ultrasound, the treatment of choice is surgery as soon as possible after birth, with good survival rates. Sixteen cases of CCAM are presented, one with bilateral disease, diagnosed at different times, and one with an associated prune belly syndrome, to be added to the 405 already reported in the literature, and their clinical, radiological and pathological features are described.

Osteofibrous dysplasia. A report of two cases

Two cases of osteofibrous dysplasia of long bones are reported, one in a neonate with ipsilateral tibial and fibular involvement and the other in a 6-year-old patient with bilateral tibial lesions. The radiological features of the younger patient were remarkably different from those of the older one. These two different and age-related radiological patterns have also been found in most cases previously reported. All the lesions tended to regress spontaneously.

Infantile fibrosarcoma of femur

We describe the clinical presentation and pathological features of an infantile fibrosarcoma of the femur that occurred in a 3 1/2-month-old male infant. The tumor grew rapidly, reaching large size within a few months, finally requiring amputation. The tumor was poorly circumscribed, infiltrating the adjacent soft tissue extensively. Microscopically, it was a highly cellular tumor composed of immature-appearing spindle-shaped cells. Ultrastructural study revealed mesenchymal cells with fibroblastic and histiocytic differentiation.

Computed tomography of infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma

Computed tomography (CT) was performed on five infants with hepatic hemangioendothelioma. Precontrast scans showed solitary or multiple, homogeneous, circumscribed areas with reduced attenuation values. Tiny tumoral calcifications were identified in two patients. Serial scans, after injection of a bolus of contrast material, showed early massive enhancement, which was either diffuse or peripheral. On delayed scans, multinodular tumors became isodense with surrounding liver, while all solitary ones showed varied degrees of centripetal enhancement and persistent central cleftlike unenhanced areas. The authors believe that these CT features are characteristic and obviate arteriographic confirmation.

[Importance of ultrasound in the study of cerebral pathology in childhood]

Results of 491 studies of the brain with gray-scale sonography in 341 patients with ages ranging from one day to one year are reported. Sonographic appearance of normal brain, cerebral abscesses and hemorrhages in neonates, together with sonographic findings of some congenital brain anomalies are described.

Infundibulopelvic stenosis in children

Of 11,500 children who underwent excretory urography during a 17-year period, three were found to have the rare renal malformation infundibulopelvic stenosis, characterized by caliceal dilatation, infundibular stenosis, and hypoplasia or stenosis of the renal pelvis. The contralateral kidney was absent in two cases and normal in the other. Voiding cystourethrograms were normal in all three. Renal sonography showed a variable degree of caliceal dilatation without associated pelvic dilatation. The diagnosis was confirmed by retrograde ureteropyelography in one case. Two patients were followed for 12 and 18 months, respectively; both remained asymptomatic with normal renal function, and sequential sonographic examinations of their kidneys have shown no significant changes. The third patient died of an unrelated condition. Infundibulopelvic stenosis has highly characteristic radiographic features, and prognosis is good for most affected patients.

Pulmonary sequestration associated with unilateral pulmonary hypoplasia and massive pleural effusion. A case report and review of the literature

Pulmonary sequestration associated with pulmonary hypoplasia and pleural effusion is very uncommon. Only three cases have been previously reported in the literature. We add one more case and describe its interesting clinical, radiological and pathological findings.

Choanal atresia. Report of seventeen cases

Seventeen cases of choanal atresia are presented, of which 13 were female and 4 male. In 11 patients the malformation was bilateral, being unilateral in the remaining 6; 8 patients also presented other malformations amongst which esophageal atresia and congenital heart disease were the most common. Treatment is surgical, and the prognosis depends largely on the presence or absence of associated malformations.

Unilateral hyperplasia of the coronoid process in a child: a cause of restricted opening of the mouth

A case of unilateral hyperplasia of the coronoid process in a nine-year-old girl is reported. The radiological features are diagnostic; removal of the elongated coronoid process and postoperative physiotherapy will, in most cases, restore full mandibular movement.

[Alterations of skull development in shunt-treated hydrocephalus. Analysis of pathogenic factors (author's transl)]

Skull roentgenograms of 184 children with hydrocephalus treated with shunts were revised. Radiological abnormalities of the skull related to CSF drainage were found in 49,5% of cases. Presence of X-ray abnormalities was correlated with the age of patients at operation, sex, etiology of hydrocephalus, type of shunt device, head circumference at operation and follow-up. Results were submitted to statistical analysis. In this study it is clearly demonstrated that age and head circumference before operation have a strong influence in the pathogenesis of this picture.

The Coffin-Siris syndrome. A report of four cases and review of the literature

Four additional cases of the Coffin-Siris syndrome bring the number of reported cases to 16. This disorder is characterized by the absence or hypoplasia of the nails, especially those of the fifth fingers and toes, growth retardation and mental deficiency, microcephaly, coarse facial appearance, sparse scalp hair and lax joints. Feeding difficulties and respiratory problems are common in infancy. Absence or hypoplasia of the distal and middle phalanges, especially those of the fifth finger and toes and retarded bone maturation are the most common radiological features.

Bronchial perforation and bronchoesophageal fistulas: tuberculous origin in children

A case of bronchial perforation and two cases of bronchoesophageal fistula of tuberculous oritin are presented. The lesions were radiologically identified by bronchography in one patient and esophagography in the other two. One patient with bronchoesophageal fistula died. His lesion had been erroneously considered to be congenital. At surgery, widespread pulmonary tuberculosis was found. The other two patients responded to antituberculous chemotherapy. In one of them, a follow-up barium esophagogram showed a large esophageal diverticulum located where a previous fistulous opening had closed.

Mastocytosis with skeletal and gastrointestinal involvement in infancy. Two case reports and a review of the literature

Two cases of mastocytosis with skeletal involvement in children three and six months old are reported. Bone lesions, either sclerotic or lytic, were encountered in their skeletal surveys. Gastrointestinal lesions in children with mastocytosis are exceedingly rare; in addition to skeletal lesions, one of our patients had a large duodenal ulcer. The diagnosis of mastocytosis was established by skin biopsy in both patients. A review of the literature is also presented.

Traumatic pharyngeal pseudodiverticulum in neonates and infants. Two case reports and review of the literature

Thirty one cases of pharyngeal pseudodiverticulum have been reported in the literature; twenty nine were diagnosed during the neonatal period. Respiratory distress, increased oral secretions, difficulty with feeding and the impossibility of passing a nasogastric catheter were the most common symptoms and/or signs. Pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, cervical emphysema and ectopic location of a feeding catheter, alone or in combination, were identified in the chest roentgenograms of 16 patients. Esophagography and/or endoscopy were the diagnostic methods of choice. The exact location of the perforation was identified in 18 patients. Most of the perforations were in either the posterior pharyngeal wall or in the pyriform sinuses. The survival rate was as good amongst the medically treated patients as in those who underwent surgery.

Congenital dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts (Caroli's disease)

Caroli's disease (congenital dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts) was diagnosed in an 11-year-old girl with the aid of intravenous cholangiography. Recurrent abdominal pain, fever, and intermittent obstructive jaundice are the most common symptoms and usually develop during childhood or young adulthood. Operative cholangiography has been the most valuable method of diagnosing the condition and determining the location and extent of the disease process.

[Acceleration of postnatal development, hypertony, enlargement of the middle phalanges and of the distal metaphyses of the femur, peculiar facies: a case of Weaver's syndrome?]

A child is described with accelerated bone maturation, large dysplastic ears, and hypertelorism. These are features of both the Marshall-Smith and Weaver's syndrome. The child was mentally retarded and had enlargement of the middle phalanges, features only seen in Marshall-Smith syndrome. However, there was also enlargement of the metaphyses, a characteristic of Weaver's syndrome. The possiblity that these syndromes may represent different manifestations of the same entity is discussed.