Lacrosse M, Trigaux JP, Van Beers BE, Weynants P
Department of Radiology, Cliniques universitaires UCL de Mont-Godinne,
Yvoir, Belgium
Title
3D spiral CT of the tracheobronchial tree.
Source
J Comput Assist Tomogr 1995 May;19(3):341-347
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: 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.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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.
CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional spiral CT of the bronchial tree with
secondary reformation seems suitable in clinical practice for selected cases.