Stenosis of the central airways: evaluation by using helical CT with multiplanar reconstructions.

PURPOSE

To assess the accuracy of helical computed tomography (CT) with multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs) in the evaluation of stenoses of the central airways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thin-section axial CT and helical CT with MPRs were used to examine the central tracheobronchial tree for the presence of stenosis in 27 patients who underwent lung transplantation and 17 nontransplantation patients. The findings from these modalities were then compared with the findings obtained at conventional tomography and bronchoscopy, when available.

RESULTS

Axial CT alone was 91% accurate in depicting stenosis, CT with MPRs was 94% accurate, and conventional tomography was 89% accurate in the evaluation of bronchial anastomosis in transplant recipients. CT and CT scans with MPRs were each 91% accurate in depicting stenosis in nontransplantation patients; the single false-negative finding showed focal tracheomalacia at bronchoscopy.

CONCLUSION

CT with MPRs may be more accurate than thin-section axial CT in the demonstration of mild stenosis, the length of a stenosis, and horizontal webs.