title: Multimodality imaging of tracheobronchial disorders in children.
abstract: The trachea and bronchial airways in children are subject to compromise by a number of extrinsic and intrinsic conditions, including congenital, inflammatory, infectious, traumatic, and neoplastic processes. Stridor, wheezing, and respiratory distress are the most common indications for imaging of the airway in children. Frontal and lateral chest and/or neck radiography constitute the initial investigations of choice in most cases. Options for additional imaging include airway fluoroscopy, contrast esophagography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Advanced imaging techniques such as dynamic airway CT, CT angiography, MR angiography, and cine MR imaging are valuable for providing relevant vascular and functional information in certain settings. Postprocessing techniques such as multiplanar reformatting, volume rendering, and virtual bronchoscopy assist in surgical planning by providing a better representation of three-dimensional anatomy. A systematic approach to imaging the airway based on clinical symptoms and signs is essential for the prompt, safe, and accurate diagnosis of tracheobronchial disorders in children.
authors.affiliation: Edward B. Singleton Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Texas Children's Hospital, MC 2-2521, 6621 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA. yedururi@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Sireesha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yedururi
authors.forename: R Paul
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Guillerman
authors.forename: Taylor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Braverman
authors.forename: Megan K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Dishop
authors.forename: Carla M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Giannoni
authors.forename: Rajesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krishnamurthy
mesh_terms: D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*