3D spiral CT of the tracheobronchial tree

Because of intrinsic limitations of transverse cross-sectional imaging methods, CT sometimes is insufficient for adequate evaluation of complex tracheobronchial anomalies. This article describes a complementary 3D procedure specifically dedicated to the study of the tracheobronchial tree. The proced...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of computer assisted tomography Vol. 19; no. 3; p. 341
Main Authors Lacrosse, M, Trigaux, J P, Van Beers, B E, Weynants, P
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.1995
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Bronchial Diseases - diagnostic imaging
Bronchography
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Respiratory Tract Diseases - diagnostic imaging
Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
Trachea - diagnostic imaging
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Because of intrinsic limitations of transverse cross-sectional imaging methods, CT sometimes is insufficient for adequate evaluation of complex tracheobronchial anomalies. This article describes a complementary 3D procedure specifically dedicated to the study of the tracheobronchial tree. The procedure combines a specific spiral CT acquisition with 2 or 4 mm collimation, 3D surface rendering of the tracheobronchial aerial content, and double obliquity multiplanar reformats directly planned on the 3D virtual object. It was performed in 11 complex cases including 3 stented benign or malignant stenoses and 2 single lung transplantations. Easier understanding of the tracheobronchial status was achieved in all cases. In three cases, the procedure yielded relevant diagnostic information that neither fiberoptic endoscopy nor transverse CT had provided, leading to significant modification of patient management. Three-dimensional spiral CT of the bronchial tree with secondary reformation seems suitable in clinical practice for selected cases.
ISSN:0363-8715
DOI:10.1097/00004728-199505000-00001