Abstrakt

An optimal chest X-ray in children with respect to the lowest possible radiation exposure needs certain technical requirements as age-related exposure parameters, use of correct filters and scatter grid, choice of fieldsize and an optimum of inspiration. The radiological appearance of inflammatory diseases of the lower airways in children is dependant on the age of the child, the etiology, the pathogenesis and the extension of the inflammation. Hyperinflation, atelectasis, irregular aeration, thickening of the walls of the bronchi, peribronchial and alveolar infiltrations lead to a characteristic image. The cause is the specific anatomical and physiological situation of the lung in early childhood. The most common pathogen in all age groups are different viruses. In toddlers, older children and adolescents inflammations caused by bacteria are more common. About one third of the pneumonias in this age groups are caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae. The most involved organ in children suffering HIV are the lungs. Fungal pneumonias and tuberculosis occur in children with immunosuppression. Tuberculosis is a disease which occurs in children from lower social and economical environments. 90% of the primary tuberculosis are clinically asymptomatic and are recognized by enlarged lymphnodes of the hilum and in the mediastinum. The cystic fibrosis is the most common autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disease. It starts already in infancy with recurrent bronchitis and pneumonia. In approximately half of the patients suffering from multiple effected organs with Langerhans´ cell histiocytosis the lungs show interstitial and cystic changes. Air-filled cystic lesions of the lungs may have different causes. Most common are pneumatoceles following a bacterial lung inflammation. Diagnosing by chest x-ray without knowing the clinical findings is impossible. Aspiration of fluid or solid foreign bodies are usually not recognized on an x-ray image. Therefore the use of indirect signs to make the right diagnosis is necessary.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• A.E. Horwitz

Abteilungen

• Kinderradiologie, Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, HELIOS Klinikum Krefeld

Adresse

Dr. med. A.E. Horwitz
Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie
HELIOS Klinikum Krefeld
Lutherplatz 40
D–47805 Krefeld
Email: [email protected]

Citation