Multidetector CT evaluation of congenital lung anomalies.
Congenital lung anomalies vary widely in their clinical manifestation and imaging appearance. Although radiographs play a role in the incidental detection and initial imaging evaluation in patients with clinical suspicion of congenital lung anomalies, cross-sectional imaging such as computer tomography (CT) is frequently required for confirmation of diagnosis, further characterization, and preoperative evaluation in the case of surgical lesions. Recently, with the development and widespread availability of multidetector CT scanners, CT has assumed a greater role in the noninvasive evaluation of congenital lung anomalies. The combination of fast speed, high spatial resolution, and enhanced quality of multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional reconstructions makes multidetector CT an ideal noninvasive method for evaluating congenital lung anomalies. In this article, the authors review the multidetector CT technique for evaluation of congenital lung anomalies. Important clinical aspects, characteristic imaging features, and key points that allow differentiation among various anomalies are highlighted for a variety of common and uncommon conditions.
Lee
Edward Y
EY
Departments of Radiology and Medicine, Pulmonary Division, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Edward.Lee@childrens.harvard.edu
Boiselle
Phillip M
PM
Cleveland
Robert H
RH
D016292:Procedural Sedation; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008168:Lung / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media