Comparison of Computertomography Scan, Electrical Impedance Tomography, and Ultrasound of the Lung in Infants - a Prospective Explorative Observational Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating different lung imaging methods in infants, focusing on distinguishing between collapsed and overinflated lung areas. The purpose is to identify common and unique features among computed tomography (CT), electrical impedance tomography (EIT), and lung ultrasound (LUS) to support potential bedside use of EIT and LUS in infants. The study compares these imaging techniques in infants with and without lung disease, using CT scans as the reference standard. The study involves infants already scheduled to receive a CT scan of the chest as part of their routine care. Around the time of the CT scan, non-invasive EIT and LUS exams will be performed using mobile devices. EIT uses a special belt placed around the infant's chest to measure lung function without radiation, recording changes over five minutes. LUS is done by experienced users with an ultrasound probe. These additional lung exams take about 20 minutes each and aim to compare functional and structural lung imaging. Participants will undergo the planned CT scan and the additional EIT and LUS measurements immediately before or after. Researchers will analyze the imaging results to compare lung ventilation and aeration assessed by each method. The study will measure how well EIT and LUS match CT scan findings over about one year. No extra CT scans are done for the study. The research team will monitor lung function data and imaging to improve understanding of lung assessment in infants.

Comparison of Computertomography Scan, Electrical Impedance Tomography, and Ultrasound of the Lung in Infants