Neonatal airway malacia (dynamic larynx, trachea, and/or bronchi collapse) is a common airway complication often associated with preterm birth and congenital abnormalities but has not been extensively studied. This condition is currently diagnosed through visual bronchoscopy, which can be unreliable and poses increased risks to patients. We address these issues with an innovative technique using retrospectively respiratory-gated ultrashort echo time MRI and geometric analysis of moving airway anatomy for regional, quantitative evaluation of dynamic airway collapse in quiet-breathing, non-sedated neonates. This method has the potential to yield more accurate and objective assessment of neonatal airway collapse than current techniques allow.
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