Agreement between MRI and CT in postnatal evaluation of congenital lung malformations

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a possible alternative to the computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of pediatric lung diseases (1). Aim of the study: to determine the diagnostic utility of MRI as compared with contrast CT for the postnatal diagnosis of congenital lung malformations (CLM). Materials and methods: two experienced pediatric radiologist prospectively assessed MRI and CT in 12 patients (6 male, 6 female, age range: 0-6 months) with prenatal diagnosis of CLM. For each patient9s lung malformation were evaluated site (side, lobe and segment), appearance (solid, cystic, mixed, aerial), number of cysts ( Results: Observers found 15 lung malformations (3 CPAM type II, 1 CPAM type I, 3 hybrid lesions, 5 segmental bronchial atresias, 1 intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration, 2 extralobar bronchopulmonary sequestrations) in 12 patients and MRI diagnosis was correct in all cases. MRI showed 100% accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV in the assessment of cysts, anomalous systemic arterial vessels, and air-trapping. MRI found lower values of sensitivity, accuracy and NPV in the assessment of the global extension of the malformation, number of cysts, abnormal venous drainage, bronchial atresia. Conclusions: MRI can be an effective alternative to CT in the postnatal assessment of lung malformations.