Subpleural lung cysts in Down syndrome: prevalence and association with coexisting diagnoses.
BACKGROUND
Although subpleural cysts are known to be associated with Down syndrome, their etiology and prevalence remains unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of subpleural cysts in children with Down syndrome and the association with prematurity, congenital heart disease (CHD), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and chronic ventilator support.


METHODS
A review of the CT examinations of 25 children with Down syndrome was performed to determine the presence, location, and distribution of cysts along with associated abnormalities. Charts were reviewed and coexistent diagnoses and past treatments were recorded.


RESULTS
The prevalence of subpleural cysts was 36% with no significant association with CHD, ECMO, or chronic ventilator support. An association was found in the two children with a history of prematurity. The cysts were most commonly found in the anteromedial portion of the lung.


CONCLUSIONS
Subpleural cysts are common in Down syndrome and should not be confused with another pathological process. An association with prematurity was found, but the low number of children in this study makes the connection uncertain. The etiology remains unclear, but it has been hypothesized that the cysts are associated with lung hypoplasia.
Biko
David M
DM
Department of Radiology, Pennsylvania Hospital, 800 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. david.biko@pahosp.com
Schwartz
Michael
M
Anupindi
Sudha A
SA
Altes
Talissa A
TA
D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed