Bridging crossroads of congenital lobar emphysema--Lung perfusion scintigraphy: A guide towards the right path

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a life-threatening but potentially reversible lung abnormality of unknown etiology that can present a diagnostic dilemma. Imaging procedures are helpful for early diagnosis. This paper aims to present the scintigraphic features of CLE in a two-year-old male in correlation with other diagnostic modalities. Lung perfusion scintigraphy revealed globally diminished perfusion to the left lung. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the chest showed intrinsic narrowing of the distal left mainstem bronchus. CT scan of the Pulmonary Arteries (CTPA) showed a small left main pulmonary artery. Lung perfusion scintigraphy in CLE is characterized by markedly attenuated vascularity of the involved lobe with consequent decreased perfusion, and increased to normal perfusion in the unaffected lobe. It plays a vital role in the early diagnosis and management of pediatric pulmonary diseases presenting with a diagnostic dilemma, particularly in cases where it can preclude more invasive diagnostic procedures.

Chemokines Expression in Children with a Non-productive Cough / 영남의대학술지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the chemokine expression in children with a non-productive cough. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six children with a non-productive cough who visited Yeungnam University Hospital were evaluated for the mRNA expression of interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10(IP-10), macrophage cationic protein 1 and 3 (MCP-1, 3), interleukin (IL)-8, regulated upon activation in normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES), eotaxin and growth-related oncogene-alpha (Gro-alpha) using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The chemokines IP-10 and MCP-3 were expressed in all samples. The chemokine RANTES was expressed in five cases, and IL-8 was expressed in three among them. However, eotaxin, Gro-alpha and MCP-1 were not expressed at all. The expression of chemokine MCP-3, RANTES and IL-8 were suppressed after the resolution of coughing in just one available case. CONCLUSION: The chemokines MCP-3, RANTES and IL-8 may contribute to airway inflammation in children with a non-productive cough, whereas IP-10 is of secondary importance in this condition.