Helical computed tomography for the evaluation of tracheal stenosis.
Source
Ann Thorac Surg 1995 Jul;60(1):27-30
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Helical computed tomography with multiplanar reconstruction
(CT/MPR) was used to study proximal airway stenosis. METHODS.
Twenty-eight helical CT/MPR studies were obtained in 25 patients with known
or suspected stenosis of the trachea or main bronchi. Computed tomographic
results were compared with planar tomograms and bronchoscopic evaluation
of the airway. RESULTS. CT/MPR accurately demonstrated the site and degree
of tracheal and main bronchial stenoses with a sensitivity of 93%, a specificity
of 100%, and an accuracy of 94%. There was one false negative study in a
patient with tracheomalacia. In a second patient, a tracheal web was only
apparent on nonstandard viewing windows. CONCLUSIONS. CT/MPR provides
good anatomic detail and is an increasingly available technique. Potential
drawbacks include the need for a longer breath-hold (15 to 45 seconds) and
increased complexity of data compared with conventional tomograms. Helical
CT/MPR is useful in the preoperative evaluation of these patients and, as
experience accumulates, may replace the use of conventional tomograms.