J Pediatr Surg
. 2025 Oct 31:162795.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2025.162795. Online ahead of print. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41177225/
Prenatal Lung Volumes and Postnatal Lung Perfusion in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Pilot Study
Katrin C Lichtsinn 1, Renae Wollman 2, Carrie Foster 3, Sandy Johng 4, Sakura M Noda 5, Xing Wang 6, Mihai Puia-Dumitrescu 7, BreAnna Kinghorn 8, Rebecca Stark 9
Affiliations Expand
- PMID: 41177225
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2025.162795
Abstract
Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) significantly impacts long-term pulmonary function. This study aimed to compare fetal MRI-derived lung volumes with nuclear medicine perfusion scintigraphy (NMPS) data to identify correlations and improve prognostication and management for children with CDH.
Study design: This retrospective single-center pilot cohort study included infants born between 2019 – 2022 with prenatally diagnosed left-sided CDH who underwent both fetal MRI and postnatal NMPS. Lung volumes were converted to a percentage of total lung volume for comparison with lung perfusion percentages. Relationships between fetal MRI and NMPS ratios were assessed using paired t-tests and Pearson correlation.
Results: Thirteen children met the inclusion criteria. The prenatal and postnatal ratios of left, right, and left/right lung were significantly different between fetal MRI and NMPS (p<0.001). A not statistically significant trend toward positive correlation was observed.
Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between fetal MRI lung volume and postnatal NMPS lung perfusion, which supports obtaining perfusion studies as a part of risk-stratified follow-up. Larger multicenter studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Type of study: Retrospective observational single-center cohort study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
Keywords: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia; long-term follow-up; lung perfusion; lung volume; nuclear medicine perfusion scintigraphy.
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