Our Summary

This study looks at the best way to diagnose and evaluate congenital lung malformations (CLMs) - birth defects in the lungs - in newborns. It is still unclear what the best method is, but recently there has been growing interest in using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body.

The researchers studied newborns with a suspected CLM who underwent an MRI while they were naturally asleep, without the use of a contrast agent (a substance used to make certain parts of the body more clearly visible on the MRI). If the MRI results were positive, the babies then had a computed tomography (CT) scan, another type of detailed imaging test, within their first four months of life. If the CT scan showed a problem, the babies had surgery to remove the affected part of the lung.

The researchers compared the results from the MRI, CT scan and findings from the surgery. They found that the MRI and CT scan results matched well with each other, and with the findings from the surgery.

The study concluded that early MRI scans without contrast are reliable for diagnosing CLMs, and that using a CT scan before surgery is a valuable way to further assess the problem. The MRI was particularly effective at correctly identifying babies with a specific type of CLM, showing a 100% success rate in these cases.

FAQs

  1. What methods are being considered for diagnosing and evaluating congenital lung malformations in newborns?
  2. How did the researchers use MRI and CT scans in their study on diagnosing congenital lung malformations?
  3. What were the conclusions of the study regarding the use of MRI and CT scans in diagnosing congenital lung malformations?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung resection is to follow up with regular imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, to monitor for any potential complications or recurrence of the condition. Regular follow-ups can help catch any issues early and ensure proper management of the patient’s lung health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended lung resection include those with lung cancer, lung infections, lung abscesses, lung nodules, emphysema, bronchiectasis, and congenital lung malformations. In the case of congenital lung malformations, early diagnosis and evaluation using methods such as MRI and CT scans can help determine the best course of treatment, which may include lung resection surgery.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  • Patient undergoes a series of tests and imaging studies to diagnose the lung malformation, including MRI and CT scans
  • Once diagnosed, patient is scheduled for surgery to remove the affected part of the lung
  • Surgery is performed to resect the affected area of the lung
  • Patient undergoes post-operative care and monitoring in the hospital

After lung resection:

  • Patient is closely monitored for any complications or infections post-surgery
  • Patient undergoes rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain lung function
  • Patient may require long-term follow-up care and monitoring to ensure the lung is functioning properly
  • Patient may experience improvements in breathing and overall lung function after the resection.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a lung resection and why is it necessary in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lung resection surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after lung resection surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need any additional tests or imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, before or after the surgery?
  5. What are the success rates of using MRI and CT scans in diagnosing and evaluating lung malformations, and how accurate are these tests?
  6. How will the results of these imaging tests help guide the surgical plan for my lung resection?
  7. What are the different types of lung resection procedures available and which one is most suitable for my condition?
  8. What are the potential long-term effects or changes in lung function after undergoing a lung resection?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to lung resection that I should consider?
  10. What is the expected outcome or prognosis after undergoing lung resection surgery for my specific condition?

Reference

Authors: Macchini F, Borzani I, Cavalli S, Morandi A, D’Angelo ID, Zanini A, Ferrari C, Ichino M, Leva E. Journal: Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2020 Oct;30(5):452-458. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1696669. Epub 2019 Oct 6. PMID: 31587243