MR lung perfusion measurements in adolescents after congenital diaphragmatic hernia: correlation with spirometric lung function tests

Objectives To evaluate whether lung perfusion continues to be reduced in 10-year-old children after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and whether lung perfusion values correlate with spirometric lung function measurements. Methods Fifty-four patients after CDH repair received dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based lung perfusion measurements at the age of 10 years (10.2 ± 1.0 years). Additionally, a control group of 10 children has been examined according to the same protocol. Lung spirometry was additionally available in 43 patients of the CDH group. A comparison of ipsilateral and contralateral parameters was performed. Results Pulmonary blood flow (PBF) was reduced on the ipsilateral side in CDH patients (60.4 ± 23.8 vs. 93.3 ± 16.09 mL/100 mL/min; p < 0.0001). In comparison to the control group, especially the ratio of ipsilateral to contralateral, PBF was reduced in CDH patients (0.669 ± 0.152 vs. 0.975 ± 0.091; p < 0.0001). There is a positive correlation between ipsilateral pulmonary blood flow, and spirometric forced 1-s volume (r = 0.45; p = 0.0024). Conclusions Pulmonary blood flow impairment persists during childhood and correlates with spirometric measurements. Without the need for ionizing radiation, MRI measurements seem promising as follow-up parameters after CDH. Key Points • Ten-year-old children after congenital diaphragmatic hernia continue to show reduced perfusion of ipsilateral lung. • Lung perfusion values correlate with lung function tests after congenital diaphragmatic hernia.