Flexible bronchoscopy represents a clinically well-established invasive dia
gnostic tool. Virtual bronchoscopies, calculated from thin-slice CT section
s, allow astonishing immitations of reality although principal differences
exist between both technologies: the fact that colour representation is art
ificial and concommitant interventions are impossible limits the clinical u
se of virtual bronchoscopy. However, its value increases when calculations
can be attained within minutes due to techonological advancements, and when
virtually any chest CT is suitable for futher postprocessing. Indications,
findings and the clinical role of virtual bronchoscopy are discussed.