Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

Tracheobronchial calcifications in children

Lauren P Golding1, Michael J Walsh, Thomas E Sumner

  • 1Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1009, USA. lgolding@wakehealth.edu

Pediatric Radiology
|April 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Tracheobronchial calcifications, a rare finding, may be common in children with prosthetic heart valves treated with warfarin sodium. This study suggests a higher prevalence than previously thought.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tracheobronchial calcifications are infrequently reported in pediatric populations.
  • Clinical observations suggest a potential link between these calcifications and warfarin sodium treatment in children with prosthetic heart valves.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that tracheobronchial calcifications are more prevalent in children with prosthetic heart valves treated with warfarin sodium than previously documented.
  • To estimate the prevalence of tracheobronchial calcifications in this specific pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records and imaging studies.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on children who underwent cardiac valve replacement at the institution.

Main Results:

  • Tracheobronchial calcifications were identified in 35% (6 out of 17) of the studied children on chest radiographs.
  • The prevalence suggests this finding may be frequently overlooked in routine imaging.

Conclusions:

  • All children with identified tracheobronchial calcifications had received warfarin sodium anticoagulation post-surgery.
  • The findings indicate that tracheobronchial calcifications are not uncommon in pediatric patients treated with warfarin.
  • Further research is warranted to establish a potential cause-effect relationship.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus06:15

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus

Published on: March 6, 2019

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...
The Bronchial Tree01:23

The Bronchial Tree

The human bronchi and bronchial tree play a crucial role in the respiratory system, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Let's delve into the intricate structure and functions of these respiratory components.
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
Trachea01:22

Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
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...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...