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Advanced large airway CT imaging in children: evolution from axial to 4-D assessment

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Abstract

Continuing advances in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) technology are revolutionizing the non-invasive evaluation of congenital and acquired large airway disorders in children. For example, the faster scanning time and increased anatomical coverage that are afforded by MDCT are especially beneficial to children. MDCT also provides high-quality multiplanar 2-dimensional (2-D), internal and external volume-rendering 3-dimensional (3-D), and dynamic 4-dimensional (4-D) imaging. These advances have enabled CT to become the primary non-invasive imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up evaluation of various large airway disorders in infants and children. It is thus essential for radiologists to be familiar with safe and effective techniques for performing MDCT and to be able to recognize the characteristic imaging appearances of large airway disorders affecting children.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Radiology and Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Edward Y. Lee

  2. Department of Radiology, Floating Hospital for Children, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA

    Evan J. Zucker

  3. Department of Radiology, Miami Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL, USA

    Ricardo Restrepo

  4. Clinica de DiagnOstico Por Imagem, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Pedro Daltro

  5. Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Phillip M. Boiselle

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  1. Edward Y. Lee
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  2. Evan J. Zucker
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  3. Ricardo Restrepo
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  4. Pedro Daltro
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  5. Phillip M. Boiselle
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Correspondence to Edward Y. Lee.

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Lee, E.Y., Zucker, E.J., Restrepo, R. et al. Advanced large airway CT imaging in children: evolution from axial to 4-D assessment. Pediatr Radiol 43, 285–297 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-012-2470-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-012-2470-7

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