What does imaging the chest tell us about bronchopulmonary dysplasia?

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication of preterm birth. Chest imaging is important in making the diagnosis of BPD, and in assessing for complications. More recently computerised tomography (CT) scanning has provided insights in to the pathophysiology of BPD. Studies in infants, young and school age children as well as young adults have consistently demonstrated abnormalities in the peripheral lung, possibly related either to small airway or alveolar disease. Advances in CT scanning may increase the clinical role for this modality, in addition newer techniques such as hyperpolarised gas magnetic resonance imaging are likely to provide further insights in to the nature of BPD and its effects on the developing lung. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.