Imaging of the airways with multidetector row computed tomography

Summary 

The wide availability of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) continues to change the way we manage patients. Once the domain of the specialist paediatric centre, imaging of the paediatric thorax now routinely occurs in many general hospitals. The paediatric respiratory and radiology teams should therefore be familiar with this technique. This review examines the indications for MDCT, the different types of scan, the use of low-dose protocols for paediatric imaging and appropriate reconstruction techniques. Patient preparation, with particular respect to sedation and optimal contrast bolus delivery, is also addressed.

Keywords: X-ray, computed tomography, scanners, paediatrics, lung, bronchus, trachea, techniques