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Evaluation of infants by echo planar imaging after repair of diaphragmatic hernia

C O'Callaghan1, B Chapman, R Coxon

  • 1Department of Physics, University of Nottingham, England.

Insights

Echo planar imaging (EPI) quickly assessed lung volumes in infants after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair. Results showed significant lung size differences, aiding in understanding post-surgical lung development.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Imaging
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair can impact lung development.
  • Accurate assessment of lung volumes is crucial for monitoring post-surgical outcomes in infants.

Observation:

  • Echo planar imaging (EPI) was utilized to study three infants post-CDH repair.
  • The imaging technique allowed for the estimation of total and individual lung volumes.

Findings:

  • Infants with left-sided CDH exhibited a right lung more than twice the size of the left.
  • The infant with right-sided CDH showed a right lung twice the size of the left, with associated emphysema.

Implications:

  • EPI is a rapid (<5 minutes), non-sedated imaging method suitable for infants.
  • Findings highlight significant pulmonary asymmetry following CDH repair, informing clinical management and prognosis.

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