Evaluation of Lung Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Patients Followed Up With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Abstract

Objective: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a common long-term complication of preterm birth. The evaluation of patients with advanced radiologic methods at early ages is essential in terms of determining the severity of the disease and follow-up. As a non-ionizing modality, magnetic resonance imaging is particularly appropriate for the repeated radiological assessment of pulmonary pathologies associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Material and Methods: Patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and underwent lung magnetic resonance imaging between August 2017 and August 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Coronal and axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed (TR/TE: 4500-5300/90-106 msec). A pediatric radiologist evaluated magnetic resonance imaging findings. Pulmonary structural findings and their distribution were determined (fibrotic bands, distortion). The findings were compared with bronchopulmonary dysplasia patients’ severity, clinical and demographic characteristics. The imaging was performed during the patient’s sleep time without sedation or by giving chlorhydrate. Results: A total of 7 patients were included in the study. Three patients were female, and 4 were male. According to bronchopulmonary dysplasia classification, 1 patient was mild, 3 patients were moderate, and 3 were severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The median gestational week was 26.2. In mild bronchopulmonary dysplasia patients, fibrotic bands were seen in <3 segment, and there was no parenchymal distortion. Bronchovascular distortion was observed in moderate and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia patients. Conclusion: Pulmonary magnetic resonance imaging can reveal structural abnormalities in patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and can be used as an imaging method in the follow-up of patients.