Pedro Daltro MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Vivianne Calheiros Chaves Gomes, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mara Cristina Coelho Silva, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

José Holanda Maia Filho, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Taisa Davaus Gasparetto MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Simone GusmÃo Ramos, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The aim of this study was to present the clinical features, histopathology and imaging findings of infants with neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI), emphasizing diagnostic criteria and imaging findings.

We described a series of twelve infants with NEHI diagnosed by clinical-CT scan and / or histopathology from March 2003 to July 2010. The chest X-ray (RX) and high resolution CT of the thorax (HRCT) were performed in all infants initially and during follow up. The follow up time range from 11 months to 8 years. All the CT scans were reviewed by two experienced pediatric radiologists. The open lung biopsy guided by HRCT of the chest was performed in four patients with histopathological examinations and immunohistochemistry for bombesin.

All the patients had tachypnoea and retractions with crackles on auscultation (12 \ 12). Persistent hypoxemia was evidenced in three cases. Three had prominent symptoms of choking and regurgitation with developmental delay. The vast majority of infants showed increased anterior posterior diameter of the chest. None had digital clubbing. The chest X-ray showed pulmonary hyperinflation in all cases. The HRCT of the chest showed ground glass opacities in the middle lobe and lingula in all patients. Beyond the middle lobe and lingula Involvement, ground glass opacities were evidenced in the medullary regions of the upper and lower lobes in 10 cases (10/12).

NEHI can have a typical appearance on HRCT scans with a common clinical history. The imaging findings, specially the HRCT findings, may be useful in differentiating this entity from other types of interstitial lung disease of infancy.

NEHI usually has a typical appearance on HRCT scans. The pediatric radiologist should be aware of this entity.

Daltro, P, Calheiros Chaves Gomes, V, Coelho Silva, M, Holanda Maia Filho, J, Gasparetto, T, GusmÃo Ramos, S, Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia of Infancy: Benign Form of Interstitial Lung Disease in Childhood.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11013697.html