Nuclear Studies
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They are rarely used in paediatric practice due to technical reasons. The predominant indications include the assessment of myocardial ischaemia and ventricular function. |
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Lung Perfusion ScanIn paediatric practice this is most useful in assessing differential lung perfusion. |
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Abnormalities are most often found in Pulmonary Atresia/VSD,
Tetralogy of Fallot and following surgery. The normal
blood flow distribution is approximately 54% to the right lung and 46% to
the left. Peripheral pulmonary artery narrowings are
commonly dealt with by balloon inflation with or without stent implantation
and perfusion scans are useful in assessing the effectiveness of treatment.
It is also helpful in the investigation of primary pulmonary hypertension
which may be caused by multiple pulmonary emboli. |
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Ventilation-Perfusion Scans (VQ) |
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These have traditionally been used to assess patients with suspected pulmonary embolism however CT scans have now proved to be superior. Any reason for obstruction to flow be it an embolus or vascular abnormality can cause a VQ mismatch - the example shows a normal ventilation pattern with both lungs equally ventilated in contrast to the perfusion with 87% passing to the left lung and only 13% to the right lung due to right pulmonary artery branch stenosis. |
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This page was last edited 16/2/2004 |
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