Radiologic evaluation of the trachea.
Multidetector computed tomography (CT) allows for an accurate, noninvasive means of evaluating tracheal anatomy and pathology. The integration of information obtained from axial images, multiplanar reformats and 3-D rendering enables precise anatomical localization of tracheal pathology, provides detailed information on surrounding structures, aids in surgical planning, and allows for assessment of posttreatment response. Although bronchoscopy remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of tracheal pathology, the proper utilization of radiologic imaging can allow for improved patient care.
Kligerman
Seth
S
Department of Thoracic Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Sharma
Amita
A
D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010212:Papilloma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014132:Trachea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014134:Tracheal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery