Diagnostic and clinical value of low-dose volumetric high-resolution CT in children with bronchiectasis / 实用放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the value of low-dose volumetric high-resolution CT (vHRCT)in children with bronchiectasis.Methods Forty-nine children with bronchiectasis were diagnosed by vHRCT.The CT manifestations and follow-up changes were observed. Results Among the 49 cases,there were 43 cases(85.7%)with cylindrical bronchiectasis,2 cases with cystic bronchiectasis(5.7%) and 4 cases with varicose bronchiectasis(8.6%).Forty-four cases with bronchiectasis were complicated with pneumonic illness,among which 9 cases with atelectasis,5 cases with pulmonary fibrotic changes and 3 cases with airway foreign body.And 5 cases were complicated with endobronchial inflammation only.The CT signs of cylindrical bronchiectasis were as followsbronchial wall thickening in 38(88.4%), double-track sign in 29(67.4%),signet ring sign in 35(81.4%),mucus plugging in 6(14.0%),air bronchogram in 9(20.9%),and bronchi appeared within 1 cm distance from the pleura in 18 cases(41.9%).Following-up 10 cases,bronchial dilatation improved significantly in 4 cases,progressed in 2 cases,and there were 4 cases with no significant change.Conclusion vHRCT is an effective method for early diagnosis of bronchiectasis in children,which is valuable for improvement of bronchiectasis by prompt and effective treatment.