The value of ultrafast computed tomography in the investigation of pediatric chest disease

Ultrafast computed tomography (CT) can he performed in almost all children with little or no sedation. The benefit has to be balanced against financia l cost and radiation dose. Since observing a steady increase in numbers of scans performed, we analyzed the contribution to management of 106 pediatri c chest CT scans performed over a 12-month period. Forty-eight of 106 yielded a positive diagnosis and a further 43/106 provid ed clearly useful information. CT was most useful in children with chronic productive cough (21/48 scans showed bronchiectasis) and suspected intersti tial lung disease. It was least useful in the preoperative assessment of em pyema complicating community-acquired pneumonia (0/11 scans giving informat ion that changed management). We conclude that the increased ease of perfor mance of chest CT in children has not led to a large number of inappropriat e requests. In the large majority of cases, diagnostically useful informati on was provided. Pediatr Pulmonol, 1998; 26:389-395, (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss. I nc.