The value of low-dose multidetector CT and virtual bronchoscopy findings in pediatric patients with suspected foreign body aspiration

Purpose: To investigate the potential use of low-dose multidetector CT (MDCT) and virtual bronchoscopy for the evaluation of children with suspected foreign body aspiration. Patients and Method: Low-dose MDCT (mA: 50-100) was performed in 15 patients (3 girls, 12 boys) with a mean age of 34.4 months (6 months-10 years) with suspicion of foreign body aspiration. MDCT findings were prospectively evaluated by two radiologists. The findings were compared with the results of rigid bronchoscopy. Results: In ten patients, foreign bodies were revealed in tracheobronchial system. The foreign body was in the right bronchial system in five patients, left bronchial system in four patients and in the distal trachea in one patient. In all patients CT images were evaluated optimal for diagnosis. In eight patients, no discordance was found between two modalities. One patient spontaneously extracted foreign body and rigid bronchoscopy was not performed. In another patient, foreign body was not revealed with MDCT and virtual bronchoscopy. In this patient, there were infiltrates at the location of the foreign body. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT were %90 and %100, respectively. Conclusion: Low-dose multidetector CT and virtual bronchoscopy are alternative radiological methods for the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration.