Pediatric Congenital Lung Malformations: Imaging Guidelines and Recommendations

Abstract

Congenital lung malformations are a spectrum of developmental anomalies comprised of malformations of the lung parenchyma, airways, and vasculature. Imaging assessment plays a pivotal role in the initial diagnosis, management, and follow-up evaluation of congenital lung malformations in the pediatric population. However, there is currently a lack of practical imaging guidelines and recommendations for the diagnostic imaging assessment of congenital lung malformations in infants and children. This article reviews the current evidence regarding the imaging evaluation of congenital lung malformations and provides up-to-date imaging recommendations for pediatric congenital lung malformations.

Keywords: Children; Computed tomography; Congenital lung malformations; Imaging evaluation; Imaging guidelines; MR imaging; Radiography; Ultrasound.