Inner surface imaging of laryngeal and tracheal stenosis by spiral-CT: role of a new diagnostic procedure

• Published in: Laryngo- rhino- otologie Vol. 79; no. 10; p. 584
• Main Authors: Rödel, R, Rodenwaldt, J, Hommerich, C P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01.10.2000
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Endoscopy; Female; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Laryngostenosis - diagnosis; Laryngostenosis - diagnostic imaging; Laryngostenosis - surgery; Laser Therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Thoracotomy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tracheal Stenosis - diagnosis; Tracheal Stenosis - diagnostic imaging; Tracheal Stenosis - surgery
• ISSN: 0935-8943

Inner-surface-reconstruction calculated from helical-CT data sets offers a new diagnostic option for upper airway assessment. Using a special software, it is possible to create a continuous overview on the inner surface of hollow viscera on a monitor, similar to an endoscopic view. However, reports on the clinical value of this examination procedure with regard to laryngeal or tracheal stenosis are rare. We compared the results of this "virtual endoscopy" with real endoscopic or intraoperative findings in 11 patients suffering from laryngeal or tracheal stenosis of various etiologies. Data on extension and localization of airway stenosis obtained by virtual endoscopy corresponded well with our endoscopic or intraoperative findings in all patients. The grade of airway stenosis as assessed by inner-surface-reconstruction could be confirmed by endoscopy in 8 of 11 cases investigated. Detection of 2 additional airway stenoses distal to an endoscopically non-passable tracheal stenosis was possible by virtual endoscopy in one case. As a supportive diagnostic procedure, virtual endoscopy offers a valuable overview on extension and localization of laryngeal or tracheal stenoses with regard to a possible therapeutic management.