Chronic diseases of lung parenchyma in children: the role of imaging

K Haran Jogeesvaran1, Catherine M Owens

  • 1Radiology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK. haran2006@gmail.com

Insights

Pediatric radiologists must recognize increasing chronic diseases of the lung parenchyma (CDoLP) in children. This review details key imaging findings, focusing on airways disease and optimized techniques for pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Pulmonology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Chronic diseases of the lung parenchyma (CDoLP) represent a diverse group of pediatric conditions.
  • The incidence of CDoLP in children has notably risen over the past decade.
  • Familiarity with CDoLP imaging is crucial for pediatric radiologists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key imaging appearances of CDoLP in children.
  • To emphasize the importance of airways disease in CDoLP diagnosis.
  • To discuss technique optimization and dose reduction in pediatric lung imaging.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on CDoLP imaging in pediatric populations.
  • Analysis of imaging findings, particularly those related to airways disease.
  • Discussion of technical considerations for pediatric chest imaging.

Main Results:

  • Key imaging patterns of various CDoLP are presented.
  • Airways disease is highlighted as a significant component of CDoLP.
  • Emphasis on tailored imaging techniques for pediatric patients.

Conclusions:

  • Radiologists require updated knowledge of CDoLP imaging in children.
  • Optimized imaging techniques and dose minimization are critical.
  • This review provides a guide to CDoLP imaging for pediatric specialists.

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan01:30

Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan

Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.