LoCicero J 3rd, Costello P, Campos CT, Francalancia N, Dushay KM,
Silvestri RC, Zibrak JD
Division of Thoracic Diseases, New England Deaconess Hospital, Boston, MA
02215, USA. locicero@harvarda.harvard.edu
Title
Spiral CT with multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstructions accurately predicts tracheobronchial pathology.
Source
Ann Thorac Surg 1996 Sep;62(3):811-817
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the clinical accuracy of
multiplanar reconstructions and three-dimensional shaded surface displays
compared with conventional transaxial computed tomography, bronchoscopy,
and surgical pathologic findings. METHODS: Transaxial computed
tomographic images, two-dimensional nonstandard multiplanar
reconstruction images, and three-dimensional images obtained from patients
with tracheobronchial disease were prospectively evaluated for the
relationship to adjacent structures, lesion characterization, and surgical
anatomic correlation before invasive procedures. RESULTS: Compared with
conventional transaxial computed tomographic images, multiplanar
reconstructions and three-dimensional shaded surface displays provided a
correlative map of bronchoscopic and surgical anatomy in patients with
benign and malignant tracheobronchial pathology. The longitudinal extent of
abnormalities are better demonstrated on the multiplanar reconstruction and
three-dimensional images, whereas the transverse extent of disease and
relationships to adjacent structures were better shown on axial computed
tomographic sections. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional and multiplanar
two-dimensional images are additive to transaxial computed tomography for
evaluation of diseases involving the central airways. They are beneficial for
planning invasive procedures. More importantly, they provide consistent,
highly accurate measurements for routine follow-up and for future clinical
trials.