Low-dose computed tomography (CT) protocols using a tin filter as a diagnostic tool could accurately identify foreign body aspiration (FBA) in children – compared with conventional radiographic methods – reducing the radiation dose and avoiding bronchoscopy.

That was the report by Dr. Lena Gordon Murkes from the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden in her talk at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Congress of Radiology. She says chest X-rays or fluoroscopy, and even both, can be used to diagnose FBA in young children; however, these conventional imaging methods are not entirely accurate.

According to the expert, CT, on the other hand, is highly accurate, but has the potential to expose the affected child to a high dose of radiation. “However, with a tin filter, we are able to minimize the dose so that it is smaller than a combination of X-ray and fluoroscopy,” he explained.

The doctor and colleagues conducted a retrospective review comparing the diagnostic performance and effective doses of conventional radiographic methods (fluoroscopy and plain radiography) with low-dose CT using a tin filter. In total, 136 children were evaluated, 75 underwent examination with conventional radiographic methods, and the remainder with CT.

Finally, it was determined that low-dose CT scans resulted in much lower effective doses compared to conventional radiographic methods.

*Report by DAILY BULLETIN, December 3, 2019