Multi-detector row computed tomographic evaluation of bronchopleural fistula: correlation with clinical, bronchoscopic, and surgical findings.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the usefulness of multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of bronchopleural fistula (BPF) and to correlate CT features with clinical, bronchoscopic, and surgical findings.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients had a final diagnosis of BPF. Thin-section axial and coronal multiplanar reformation images from multi-detector row CT datasets were assessed by 2 radiologists in consensus. The CT direct sign of BPF was a fistulous tract between the bronchus or lung and pleural space. The indirect signs were air bubbles beneath the bronchial stump or suspected fistula.


RESULTS
Computed tomography demonstrated fistulous tract (central type, 3; peripheral type, 11) or indirect signs of BPF (central type, 3; peripheral type, 6), whereas bronchoscopy demonstrated 2 fistula openings (all central type) and indirect signs of BPF (central type, 2; peripheral type, 1).


CONCLUSIONS
Thin-section axial and multiplanar reformation images are helpful in the diagnosis of BPF. Multi-detector row CT can be an initial diagnostic modality of BPF.
Seo
Hyobin
H
Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea.
Kim
Tae Jung
TJ
Jin
Kwang Nam
KN
Lee
Kyung Won
KW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D016724:Empyema, Pleural; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007472:Iohexol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D035422:Pleural Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol; C038192:iopromide