title: Central airway pathology: clinic features, CT findings with pathologic and virtual endoscopy correlation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the imaging features of the central airway pathology, correlating the findings with those in pathology and virtual endoscopy. To propose a schematic and practical approach to reach diagnoses, placing strong emphasis on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed our thoracic pathology database and the central airway pathology-related literature. Best cases were selected to illustrate the main features of each disease. MDCT was performed in all cases. Multiplanar and volume-rendering reconstructions were obtained when necessary. Virtual endoscopy was obtained from the CT with dedicated software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pathological conditions affecting the central airways are a heterogeneous group of diseases. Focal alterations include benign neoplasms, malignant neoplasms, and non-neoplastic conditions. Diffuse abnormalities are divided into those that produce dilation and those that produce stenosis and tracheobronchomalacia. Direct bronchoscopy (DB) visualises the mucosal layer and is an important diagnostic and therapeutic weapon. However, assessing the deep layers or the adjacent tissue is not possible. MDCT and post-processing techniques such as virtual bronchoscopy (VB) provide an excellent evaluation of the airway wall.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review presents the complete spectrum of the central airway pathology with its clinical, pathological and radiological features.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • Dividing diseases into diffuse and focal lesions helps narrow the differential diagnosis. • Focal lesions with nodularity are more likely to correspond to tumours. • Focal lesions with stenosis are more likely to correspond to inflammatory disease. • Posterior wall involvement is the main feature in diffuse lesions with stenosis.
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain. dbarnes@clinic.cat.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Clínica Dávila de Santiago, Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez Chacoff
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Mariana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benegas
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Rosario J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Perea
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Teresa M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: de Caralt
authors.affiliation: Pathology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ramirez
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vollmer
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sanchez
keywords: Relapsing polychondritis; Respiratory tract diseases; Tracheal diseases; Tracheobronchomegaly; Tuberculosis