Stenosis of the central airways: evaluation by using helical CT with multiplanar reconstructions.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the accuracy of helical computed tomography (CT) with multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs) in the evaluation of stenoses of the central airways.


METHODS
Thin-section axial CT and helical CT with MPRs were used to examine the central tracheobronchial tree for the presence of stenosis in 27 patients who underwent lung transplantation and 17 nontransplantation patients. The findings from these modalities were then compared with the findings obtained at conventional tomography and bronchoscopy, when available.


RESULTS
Axial CT alone was 91% accurate in depicting stenosis, CT with MPRs was 94% accurate, and conventional tomography was 89% accurate in the evaluation of bronchial anastomosis in transplant recipients. CT and CT scans with MPRs were each 91% accurate in depicting stenosis in nontransplantation patients; the single false-negative finding showed focal tracheomalacia at bronchoscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
CT with MPRs may be more accurate than thin-section axial CT in the demonstration of mild stenosis, the length of a stenosis, and horizontal webs.
Quint
L E
LE
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0030.
Whyte
R I
RI
Kazerooni
E A
EA
Martinez
F J
FJ
Cascade
P N
PN
Lynch
J P
JP
Orringer
M B
MB
Brunsting
L A
LA
Deeb
G M
GM
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*