Pediatric chest disease: evaluation by computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography.

The initial method for evaluating pediatric chest disease remains the plain chest roentgenogram. When more precise definition of chest disease is required, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasonography (US) may be useful. In general, CT offers the widest spectrum of applicability. MRI is especially useful because no ionizing radiation is used and images can be acquired in multiple planes. MRI is most valuable when vascular anatomy needs to be defined or when tumor invasion of the spinal canal is suspected. US is helpful in evaluating diseases of the pleura and for characterizing and localizing pleural fluid and masses. US can differentiate normal thymus from other anterior mediastinal masses. Doppler techniques are valuable in evaluating suspected pulmonary sequestration and identifying the feeding vessel.