Value and applicability of tidal breathing pattern analysis and chest CT in assessment of pulmonary function in children with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the value and applicality of tidal breathing pattern analysis and chest CT in assessing pulmonary function in children with congenital heart disease. Methods We measured tidal breathing pattern in 44 children with congenital heart disease and conducted three-dimensional spiral CT imaging of tracheobronchography among 28 children. As a contrast, we also measured tidal breathing pattern in 64 children with common pneumonia and conducted threa-dimensional spiral CT imaging of tracheobronehography among 49 children. Results Patients with congenital heart disease showed the increased respiratory rate and decreased inspiratory time. Tidal breathing analysis parameters (TPTEF/TE, VPTEF and VPEF/VE) decreased obviously, but PTEF and TEF 75 increased in 44 children with congenital heart disease. Chest CT confirmed pulmonary infection, airway stenosis, emphysema and atelectasis in patients with congenital heart disease. The incidence rate of pulmonary dysfunction in patients with congenital heart disease was higher than that of control group. Conclusion Tidal breathing analysis parameters (TPTEF/TE,VPTEF and VPTEF/VE) could reflect obstructive ventilation function disorder in children with congenital heart disease. Chest CT could further uncover the etiology of ventilation function disorder. The combination of theses two noninvasive techniques facilitate clinicians to have a better picture of pulmonary function status in children with congenital heart disease. Key words: Tidal breathing pattern; Chest CT; Congenital heart disease; Pulmonary function