Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31945271

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2020 Mar;55(3):740-746. doi: 10.1002/ppul.24645. Epub 2020 Jan 16.
Chest CT scoring for evaluation of lung sequelae in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors.
Beel E1, Aukland SM2,3, Boon M4, Vermeulen F4, Debeer A5, Proesmans M4.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
Data on long-term structural lung abnormalities in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is scarce. The purpose of this study was to develop a chest computed tomography (CT) score to assess the structural lung sequelae in CDH survivors and to study the correlation between the CT scoring and clinical parameters in the neonatal period and at 1 year of follow-up.

METHODS:
A prospective, clinical follow-up program is organised for CDH survivors at the University Hospital of Leuven including a chest CT at the age of 1 year. The CT scoring used and evaluated, named CDH-CT score, was adapted from the revised Aukland score for chronic lung disease of prematurity.

RESULTS:
Thirty-five patients were included. All CT scans showed some pulmonary abnormalities, ranging from very mild to severe. The mean total CT score was 16 (IQR: 9-23), with the greatest contribution from the subscores for decreased attenuation (5; IQR: 2-, subpleural linear and triangular opacities (4; IQR: 3-5), and atelectasis/consolidation (2; IQR: 1-3). Interobserver and intraobserver agreement was very good for the total score (ICC coefficient > 0.9). Total CT score correlated with number of neonatal days ventilated/on oxygen as well as with respiratory symptoms and feeding problems at 1 year of age.

CONCLUSION:
The CDH-CT scoring tool has a good intraobserver and interobserver repeatability and correlates with relevant clinical parameters. This holds promise for its use in clinical follow-up and as outcome parameter in clinical interventional studies.

© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

KEYWORDS:
CT scoring system; chest CT scan; congenital diaphragmatic hernia; lung disease; pediatric radiology

PMID: 31945271 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.24645