Technetium Tc 99m macroaggregated albumin lung scans. Use in chronic childhood asthma

Serial roentgenograms and technetium Tc 99m macroaggregated albumin lung scans were done simultaneously in 30 bronchodilator-dependent asthmatic children and young adults during both relative remission and attacks of status asthmaticus. When chest roentgenograms showed air trapping and increased peribronchial vascular marking associated with persistent perfusion defects, the children benefited from further laboratory studies and continuous comprehensive therapy. Serial scans provided information about underperfusion that was not discernible either by roentgenograms or by usual blood gas studies. Also, lung scans are easier to obtain in children with long-standing asthma than are detailed pulmonary tests. In our study, technetium Tc 99m macroaggregated albumin scans showed persistent regional perfusion defects in 20 children wiht chronic asthma during relative remission and exacerbations.