STENOSIS OF THE CENTRAL AIRWAYS - EVALUATION BY USING HELICAL CT WITHMULTIPLANAR RECONSTRUCTIONS

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of helical computed tomography (CT) wi th 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 tracheobronchia l 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 conv entional tomagraphy and bronchoscopy, when available. RESULTS: Axial C T alone was 98% accurate in depicting stenosis, CT with MPRs was 94% a ccurate, and conventional tomography was 89% accurate in the evaluatio n of bronchial anastomosis in transplant recipients. CT and CT scans w ith MPRs were each 91% accurate in depicting stenosis in nontransplant ation patients; the single false-negative finding showed focal tracheo malacia 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.