3D images based on MDCT in evaluation of patients with suspected foreign body aspiration

To evaluate the value of 3D images based on multi-detect computer tomography (MDCT) for the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected foreign bodies aspiration, and report our experience about diagnosis and management of the aforementioned patients using the 3D images, as well as detail our protocol for the management of those patients. Forty-four patients (37 children, 7 adults) with suspected foreign bodies aspiration who accepted pre-surgical examination and bronchoscopy in our hospital were included in this study. All the patients' pre-surgical 3D images based on MDCT were reconstructed and analyzed. After that all the results were compared with observations in the surgeries. Among the 37 pediatrics, 34 patients were detected with FB in their tracheobronchial system by the 3D images based on MDCT, and 3 cases were detected negative. The sensitivity of 3D images is 100 %, and the specificity is 75 %.In the adult group, all the 7 cases of FB in the tracheobronchial tree were detected by 3D images and proved by bronchoscopy. 3D images based on MDCT were proved to be a valuable method for the diagnosis of the patients with suspected FB aspiration. In the diagnosis and management of those patients, we considered that both the typical FB aspiration history and the intractable symptoms of cough should be taken as the criteria and the first step for selecting those suspected patients; then 3D images based on MDCT could be taken as the second step and as the selective criteria for those patients who should accept the rigid bronchoscopy.