Lung density standard deviations obtained using high-pitch dual-source computed tomography are valid predictors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants

PurposeThis study aimed to validate standard deviations of lung densities obtained using high-pitch dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) densitometry as indices of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) severity in premature infants.MethodsData of preterm, late preterm group, and early term groups were evaluated. Mean and median standard deviations (SDmean, SDmedian) of CT lung density (CTLD) were calculated from CT images.ResultsSDmean of CTLD in infants with severe BPD was significantly higher than that of infants without BPD (198.1 vs. 140.9, respectively; P = .002).ConclusionsStudy results support using high-pitch DSCT for BPD diagnosis and quantitative evaluation in prematurity.