Published in

Springer, Pediatric Radiology, 4(45), p. 556-561, 2014

DOI: 10.1007/s00247-014-3133-7

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

Postmortem magnetic resonance appearances of congenital high airway obstruction syndrome.

Journal article published in 2014 by Oj Arthurs, Ls Chitty ORCID, Lydia Judge-Kronis, Nj Sebire
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

Full text: Download

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Orange circle
Postprint: archiving restricted
Red circle
Published version: archiving forbidden
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Background Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a rare life-threatening condition characterised by complete or near-complete developmental obstruction of the foetal airway. Although antenatal imaging findings have been described, the postmortem MRI findings have not been reported. Objective To present postmortem MRI features of CHAOS. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed our hospital pathology and imaging databases for cases of CHAOS over a 2-year period. Results We identified two cases of CHAOS. In both cases, postmortem plain radiographs demonstrated gross abdominal distension with distortion and splaying of the rib cage. Both foetuses had characteristic postmortem MRI findings including large-volume fluid-filled lungs on T2-weighted imaging, diaphragmatic eversion, fluid-filled airway dilatation below the level of obstruction, centrally positioned and compressed heart, and massive ascites. One foetus had an associated limb abnormality. Conclusion Postmortem MRI in foetuses suspected of having CHAOS allows confirmation of the diagnosis, determination of the anatomical level of the atresia or stenosis, and identification of associated abnormalities without the need for invasive autopsy.