CT findings in Swyer-James syndrome

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Pulmonology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Swyer-James syndrome (SJS) is typically diagnosed using chest radiographs during inspiration and expiration.
• The diagnostic utility of computed tomography (CT) for SJS requires further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the value of CT in evaluating patients with Swyer-James syndrome.
• To identify key CT findings that facilitate SJS diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of CT scans in patients diagnosed with Swyer-James syndrome.
• Analysis of CT findings related to bronchial patency, lung parenchyma, and bronchiectasis.

Main Results:

• CT effectively determined bronchial patency in all nine SJS patients.
• CT identified lung parenchymal changes, including subpleural infiltrates, atelectasis, and cavities.
• CT demonstrated the extent and degree of bronchiectasis in all patients.
• Characteristic CT findings associated with SJS include a hyperlucent lung, small lung, and diminished pulmonary arteries.
• Expiration CT scans showed air trapping, supporting the SJS diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• CT is a valuable tool for evaluating Swyer-James syndrome.
• Specific CT findings, particularly air trapping on expiration, aid in the diagnosis of SJS and associated bronchiectasis.