Demonstration of fixed airway abnormality using Electrical Impedance Tomography in a pressure dependent patient.

Fixed airway abnormality effects 1 in 2100 children and can lead to significant burden on health. Recurrent stridor and wheeze can lead to; feeding difficulties, frequent infections and associated hospitalisation. Electrical impedance tomography is a method for imaging the lungs that gives dynamic data regarding ventilation. Here we report the case of a child who was found to have a fixed airway abnormality and EIT was used to help guide further pressure support required. We show that reconstructed EIT images can be used to visualise heterogeneity between ventilation of each lung. We demonstrate, by comparing EIT readings taken at different levels of pressure support, that it is possible to use EIT to determine the response of the lung to changing pressure. This technique can therefore be used to help guide the optimum pressure support for a patient where heterogeneity exists between airflow in the lungs. This will allow pressure support to be given that allows safe and efficient ventilation and reduces the risk of barotrauma.