title: Common Congenital Anomalies of the Central Airways in Adults.
abstract: The knowledge of airway anatomy is the most fundamental requirement of every bronchoscopist. There are numerous and frequent anatomic variations of the central airways making the examination unique for every individual. It is imperative for every bronchoscopist to be fully cognizant of the common congenital anomalies involving the central airways. Proper identification and reporting of these findings are a matter of the utmost importance, especially when surgical options in a patient with lung cancer or lung transplantation is under consideration. This article focuses on the congenital anomalies of central airway encountered among adults. Each of these anatomic variations has a characteristic appearance, yet requires bronchoscopic acumen for their identification. This review provides a comprehensive description of these anomalies and highlights their clinical implications.
authors: Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH. Electronic address: mehtaa1@ccf.org.
authors: Atul C
authors: AC
authors: Mehta
authors: Department of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
authors: Tany
authors: T
authors: Thaniyavarn
authors: Internal Medicine Department, Fairview Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic Hospital, Cleveland, OH.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Ghobrial
authors: Interventional Pulmonary Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI.
authors: Danai
authors: D
authors: Khemasuwan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D006801:Humans; D015619:Respiratory System Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery