[Interest of lung scintigraphy for the follow-up of cystic fibrosis (CF) and other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Two case reports in children].

INTRODUCTION

Lung scintigraphy provides a regional, functional test of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion. It allows an early detection of pulmonary damage or dysfonction, in particular in cystic fibrosis (CF) and other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in childhood.

CASE REPORTS: We report two cases in children suffering from CF and COPD (of undefined aetiology), who had a major localized ventilation disorder. They have been detected by lung scintigraphy before the development of clinical or radiological symptoms. An obstructive bronchial cast in the corresponding lobar bronchus was then revealed and withdrawn by bronchial fiberscopy.

CONCLUSION

Lung scintigraphy allows early detection of local pulmonary abnormalities, sometimes undetectable with a chest X-ray or even with a chest tomodensitometry. It can reveal bronchial obstructive plugs, avoiding thus the development of bronchectasies thanks to a quick suitable treatment.