MDCT of tracheobronchial narrowing in pediatric patients.
Chest radiographs have been useful for the incidental detection and initial imaging evaluation of clinically suspected central airway narrowing in pediatric patients. However, cross-sectional imaging, such as computed tomography (CT), is frequently required for confirmation of diagnosis, further characterization, and preoperative evaluation of surgical lesions. Recent rapid technologic advancement in CT has allowed CT to assume a pivotal role in the noninvasive evaluation of tracheobronchial narrowing in children, in particular with multidetector computed tomography with postprocessing techniques, including multiplanar reformations and 3-dimensional reconstructions. In this article, the authors review the multidetector computed tomography technique for evaluation of central airway narrowing in children, with emphasis on the use of multiplanar reformations and 3-dimensional reconstructions in the imaging evaluation of the spectrum of intrinsic and extrinsic causes of central airway narrowing in children.
Lee
Edward Y
EY
Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Edward.Lee@childrens.harvard.edu
Siegel
Marilyn J
MJ
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D001980:Bronchi / Q000002:abnormalities; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D001995:Bronchography / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014132:Trachea / Q000002:abnormalities; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology
D003287:Contrast Media