Pulmonary ventilation and perfusion studies in infants and children.

Ventilation and perfusion imaging techniques may be applied successfully to the diagnosis of many pulmonary disorders in children. These studies may be performed with relative ease and safety in all patients, even if they are unable to cooperate. The choice of radiopharmaceuticals applicable to children includes inert gases such as xenon 133 and krypton 81m as well as technetium 99m particles for perfusion and aerosol ventilation imaging. Quantitation of regional lung function is readily performed with available techniques. The indications for ventilation and perfusion lung imaging in children differ significantly from those in the adult.