¹³³Xe Ventilation Studies for the Detection of Radiolucent Endobronchial Foreign Bodies

Abstract

¹³³Xe ventilation and ^9mTc-MAA perfusion were studied on 4 children with radiolucent endobronchial foreign bodies. Scintigraphic findings showed ventilation defects, washout delays and perfusion defects on the obstructive regions due to foreign bodies which had been confirmed by the bronchoscopy. Ventilation scintigraphy had more diagnostic value because ventilation defects were greater than those of perfusion. Furthermore, according to the observation of both ventilation distribution and washout phase, we could estimate endobronchial changes due to foreign bodies in more detail.
The authors emphasize that ¹³³Xe ventilation study which is harmless should be more applicated for the detection of radiolucent endobronchial foreign bodies of children.