Clinical applications of radionuclide lung scanning in infants and children

Abstract

81mKr ventilation and 99mTc perfusion lung scans in anterior, posterior and oblique views in 86 children (age range 14 days to 15 yr) with various pediatric problems were obtained. Four main areas of clinical usefulness occurred. Establishing the diagnosis was the 1st category: in a relatively small number of patients the lung scan was essential for either establishing the exact diagnosis or directing attention to the abnormal area. Refuting a diagnosis was the 2nd: the 2 main groups in this category include possible bronchiectasis and inhaled foreign body. Establishing the extent of the disease was the 3rd: radionuclide studies enable one to assess and follow up the extent of the disease in children with lower respiratory problems, a lung scan may obviate the need for bronchography in bronchiectatics failing to respond to medical treatment and for whom surgery is being considered. Repeat studies are useful in following the natural history or the response to treatment of various lung condition. Assessing the success of surgical procedures on the heart and on abnormal pulmonary arteries was the 4th. 81mKr ventilation/99mTc perfusion scanning are particularly useful in small children in whom tests of overall pulmonary function cannot be carried out because of lack of cooperation.