ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Atelectasis is more frequent and more severe in children anesthetized for CT scan than it is in children sedated for CT scan. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of increased inspiratory pressure on atelectasis during chest CT in anesthetized children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Atelectasis on chest CT was assessed by two observers in three groups of patients. Group A comprised 13 children (26 lungs) anesthetized at inspiratory pressures up to and including 25 cm H2O. Group B included 11 children anesthetized at inspiratory pressures > or =30 cm H2O. Group C included 8 children under deep sedation. RESULTS: Atelectasis was significantly more severe in group A than in groups B and C. There was no significant difference between groups B and C. CONCLUSION: An inspiratory pressure of 30 cm H2O is recommended for children anesthetized for CT scan of the chest.
