Direct coronal CT scanning of the neonatal chest

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Pediatric Radiology
• Thoracic Imaging

Background:

• Conventional coronal computed tomographic (CT) images of neonatal chests are typically generated by reformatting axial images.
• Existing methods have limitations in fully characterizing thoracic abnormalities in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of direct coronal CT scans for improving neonatal chest imaging.
• To enhance the definition of thoracic abnormalities detected on plain films in neonates.

Main Methods:

• Nine neonates underwent direct coronal CT scans with their long axis perpendicular to the scanning table.
• Spiral CT and cine scan (Imatron) were employed for data acquisition.
• The technique aimed to further define thoracic abnormalities identified on plain radiography.

Main Results:

• Direct coronal CT accurately depicted the anatomical location of congenital lung lesions like congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, facilitating surgical planning.
• The arterial supply to bronchopulmonary sequestrations was identifiable.
• Tracheobronchial abnormalities (e.g., tracheobronchus, bronchial atresia) and causes of air trapping (intrinsic and extrinsic) were readily demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Direct coronal CT scanning is a feasible technique that provides significant diagnostic information without special equipment.
• This method improves the assessment of the tracheobronchial tree and enhances the detection, localization, and characterization of lesions near the diaphragm.