Unique role of radionuclide krypton-81m lung ventilation scan in critically ill children on long-term mechanical ventilation

Excerpt

We describe a case highlighting the potential role of krypton-81m (^81mKr) ventilation scanning in critically ill children on long-term mechanical ventilation. The patient was a 14-year-old male on long-term mechanical ventilator support following cardiac transplantation. Post transplant he maintained good cardiac function following a short period of anti-rejection therapy. His postoperative period was further complicated by vocal cord palsy, restrictive chest wall disease and diaphragmatic paralysis; these complications improved over a period of time but the child remained ventilator dependent despite repeated extubation attempts. Chest radiograph (a) and high-resolution CT (b, f) revealed left lower lobe collapse, but were otherwise unremarkable. Bronchoscopy was consistent with left lower lobe collapse and no significant bronchial compression. …