Computed tomography of the trachea: normal and abnormal
The trachea was investigated by means of computed tomography (CT) in 50 patients without tracheal or mediastinal abnormalities and in 39 patients with various diseases of the trachea. The variations in the normal CT appearance of the trachea and surrounding structures are described. CT did not provide additional information in the detection of characterization of tracheal stenosis beyond that obtained from more conventional studies, including tomography and positive-contrast tracheography. In patients with a saber-sheath trachea, CT demonstrated the abnormal configuration of the tracheal cartilages and abnormal collapse of the trachea on forced expiration. In patients with primary or secondary neoplasms involving the trachea, CT was most accurate in defining the intraluminal presence of tumor, the degree of airway compression, and the extratracheal extension of tumor. CT can be of value in determining the resectability of primary tracheal neoplasms and the planning of radiation therapy in metastatic lesions to the trachea and surrounding mediastinum.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of California Medical Center, San Francisco
- OSTI ID:
- 6708702
- Journal Information:
- AJR, Am. J. Roentgenol.; (United States), Vol. 139:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Role of nuclear medicine in pulmonary neoplastic processes
Upper airway obstruction in infants and children: evaluation with ultrafast CT