Microsievert Wide-Volume Versus Spiral Computed Tomography Using an Automatic Exposure Control System in the Diagnosis of Foreign Body Aspiration in Children

Abstract

Background Foreign body aspiration (FBA) in childhood is a life-threatening condition that necessitates prompt management to prevent devastating complications. Different imaging methods are used in the diagnosis of FBA. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value and dose of microsievert wide-volume computed tomography (μSv-WV-CT) with multidetector computed tomography using an automatic exposure control system (MDCT-AEC) in children with FBA. Material and Methods In this single-center cross-sectional study, 102 cases diagnosed with FBA between September 2013 and September 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the diagnostic modality used: group A, μSv-WV-CT (2016–2021) and group B, MDCT-AEC (2013–2021). The diagnostic performance and radiation dose of the 2 groups were statistically compared. Results The diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy) of the 2 groups was similar. The mean effective radiation dose of group A was 34.89 ± 0.01 μSv, which was significantly lower than that of group B (179.75 ± 114.88 μSv) (P < 0.001). Conclusion In children with suspected FBA, μSv-WV-CT at a lower radiation dose had similar diagnostic performance to MDCT-AEC.