Chest computed tomography

Bacterial infections and the immune response in cystic fibrosis leads to structural damage of the airways and the lung. Imagaing of the lung can show us the presence, severity and extent of lung disease. Previously we have been limited to using chest x-rays, but advances in techniques now enable direct assessment of the lungs. Chest computed tomography (CCT) is an imaging technique that is more sensitive than chest x-rays in providing information on stuctural abnormalities, especially in the very young.

As part of the early surveillance program we perform CCT's annually under general anaesthesia. We have modified the CCT procedure to minimise exposure to radiation, a common concern with imaging techniques.

The aims of this part of the program are to:

• Describe the longitudinal relationships from birth between inflammation, infection and lung damage
• To define the early pathophysiological risk factors for early onset of bronchiectasis
• To define important clinical endpoints based on relations between changes in lung function, CCT and airway inflammation
• To develop and validate a CCT scan methodology suitable for use in infants with mild disease