AJR 2002; 179:301-308
© American Roentgen Ray Society
Multiplanar and Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Central Airways with Multidetector CT
Phillip M. Boiselle1,
Kevin F. Reynolds1 and
Armin Ernst2
1 Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard
Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.
2 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215.
Received December 26, 2001;
accepted after revision February 11, 2002.
Presented in part at the annual meeting of the American Roentgen Ray
Society, Seattle, AprilMay 2001.
Address correspondence to P.M. Boiselle.
Introduction
The advent of multidetector CT has revolutionized imaging of the airways
and other thoracic structures
[1,2,3,4,5].
In comparison to single-detector helical CT scanners, multidetector scanners
not only provide faster speed, greater coverage, and improved spatial
resolution, but also have the unique ability to create images of thick and
thin collimation from the same data set
[1,2,3,4,5].
One of the greatest benefits of this new technology is the improved quality
of two-dimensional (2D) multiplanar and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction
images
[3,4,5,6,7].
These images break away from the confines of the traditional axial imaging
plane and have the potential to facilitate the assessment of a variety of
airway disorders.
The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with the basic
principles of multiplanar and 3D images and to describe the evolving role of
these methods in the assessment of central airway disorders.
Traditional Axial CT Images
Although routine axial CT images suffice for evaluating many airway
abnormalities, several limitations are associated with axial images: limited
ability to detect subtle airway stenoses; underestimation of the craniocaudal
extent of disease; difficulty displaying complex 3D relationships of the
airways; and inadequate representation of the airways that are oriented
obliquely to the axial plane
[6,
8,9,10,11]
(Figs.
1A,1B,1C
and
2A,2B,2C,2D,2E).
Accurate identification, characterization, and measurement of airways diseases
are of paramount importance for assigning the appropriate diagnosis and
planning surgical and bronchoscopic procedures. Thus, the limitations of axial
images have important implications in the assessment of patients with certain
airways disorders such as airway stenoses and complex airway
abnormalities.

View larger version (115K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 1A. Axial, multiplanar, and three-dimensional (3D) CT images of
central airways in 57-year-old man with nonsmall cell lung cancer and
bronchoscopically proven airway invasion. Axial contrast-enhanced CT image
obtained at level of aorticopulmonary window shows large nodal mass (N)
compressing carina. Origin of right mainstem bronchus (arrow) is
severely narrowed but is difficult to fully assess because of its oblique
orientation with respect to axial plane.
|
|

View larger version (85K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 1B. Axial, multiplanar, and three-dimensional (3D) CT images of
central airways in 57-year-old man with nonsmall cell lung cancer and
bronchoscopically proven airway invasion. Three-dimensional external-rendered
CT image of airway shows irregular deformity of distal trachea and carina and
severe narrowing of proximal right mainstem bronchus (arrow) with
distal patency. Compared with axial images, such as A, 3D perspective
provides more accurate assessment of overall extent of airway involvement.
|
|

View larger version (77K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 1C. Axial, multiplanar, and three-dimensional (3D) CT images of
central airways in 57-year-old man with nonsmall cell lung cancer and
bronchoscopically proven airway invasion. Coronal multiplanar volume
reformation CT image complements findings from 3D image (B) by showing
relationship of large nodal mass (N) to airway.
|
|

View larger version (103K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 2A. Axial and three-dimensional (3D) images of central airways in
46-year-old woman with left mainstem bronchial stenosis resulting from prior
tuberculosis infection. Craniocaudal extent and severity of stenosis were
underestimated on axial CT images (A-D) but were accurately identified
on basis of 3D reconstruction (E). Axial CT image obtained at level of
carina shows subtle minimal wall thickening at origin of left mainstem
bronchus (arrow).
|
|

View larger version (103K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 2B. Axial and three-dimensional (3D) images of central airways in
46-year-old woman with left mainstem bronchial stenosis resulting from prior
tuberculosis infection. Craniocaudal extent and severity of stenosis were
underestimated on axial CT images (A-D) but were accurately identified
on basis of 3D reconstruction (E). Axial CT image obtained at slightly
lower level than A shows subtle asymmetry in size of left mainstem
bronchus (L) compared with right (R).
|
|

View larger version (109K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 2C. Axial and three-dimensional (3D) images of central airways in
46-year-old woman with left mainstem bronchial stenosis resulting from prior
tuberculosis infection. Craniocaudal extent and severity of stenosis were
underestimated on axial CT images (A-D) but were accurately identified
on basis of 3D reconstruction (E). Axial CT image obtained at slightly
lower level than B shows thickening of anterior wall of left mainstem
bronchus (arrow). Calcified subcarinal lymph node is incidentally
noted.
|
|

View larger version (80K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 2D. Axial and three-dimensional (3D) images of central airways in
46-year-old woman with left mainstem bronchial stenosis resulting from prior
tuberculosis infection. Craniocaudal extent and severity of stenosis were
underestimated on axial CT images (A-D) but were accurately identified
on basis of 3D reconstruction (E). Axial CT image obtained at slightly
lower level than C shows further extension of bronchial wall thickening
(arrow).
|
|

View larger version (166K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 2E. Axial and three-dimensional (3D) images of central airways in
46-year-old woman with left mainstem bronchial stenosis resulting from prior
tuberculosis infection. Craniocaudal extent and severity of stenosis were
underestimated on axial CT images (A-D) but were accurately identified
on basis of 3D reconstruction (E). Three-dimensional image of air-ways
shows long segment of stenosis of left mainstem bronchus (arrows).
Severity and length of stenosis correlated with findings at conventional
bronchoscopy.
|
|
Multidetector CT Images
The creation of additional 2D multiplanar and 3D reconstruction images from
the original axial CT data set can help overcome the limitations of axial
images by providing a more anatomically meaningful display of complex
structures such as the airways
[6,
8,9,10,11]
(Figs. 1B,
1C, and
2E). The visual accessibility
of these images also offers other benefits: improved diagnostic confidence of
an interpretation; improved planning for bronchoscopy and surgery; and
enhanced communication among radiologists, clinicians, and patients.
Because multiplanar and 3D images transform the axial data into an anatomic
display that is more familiar to clinicians and patients, this technology has
the potential to improve the communication of radiologic findings. These
images also enable the radiologist to review findings with referring
clinicians in an efficient manner.
Two- and Three-Dimensional Images
Two-dimensional multiplanar and 3D reconstruction images do not actually
create new information; rather, these images offer complementary ways of
viewing the information present in the original CT data set. The axial images
remain an important point of reference for optimal interpretation and also aid
in the recognition of artifacts (e.g., from motion or retained secretions) on
2D and 3D images. Moreover, the axial images provide a more comprehensive
review of the entirety of the thorax, including the lung parenchyma and
mediastinal structures. Thus, in addition to the reformatted and reconstructed
images, the axial images should also be reviewed when interpreting a
study.
Optimizing Multiplanar and Three-Dimensional Images
For the appearance of multiplanar and 3D images to be enhanced, the use of
a narrow (2.5-3.0 mm) collimation and overlapping reconstruction intervals
(50%) is recommended [3]. Our
clinical experience with multidetector CT has been with one brand of CT
scanner (LightSpeed QX/i; General Electric Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI).
For dedicated airway studies, we use a 2.5-mm collimation, 1.25-mm
reconstruction interval, and a pitch of 6:1.
Although airway studies should ideally be prospectively planned and
tailored to the area of interest, an advantage of multidetector CT is its
ability to allow slice thickness to be changed retrospectively, thus enabling
one to obtain high-quality reconstruction images from routine CT studies. This
feature is particularly helpful in daily practice because it allows patients
undergoing routine imaging to potentially benefit from the creation of 2D
multiplanar and 3D reconstructions without the need for additional
acquisitions.
IV contrast material is not routinely administered but is recommended for
patients with a suspected paratracheal abnormality such as enlarged lymph
nodes or a thyroid mass. Airway imaging is routinely performed at
end-inspiration during a single breath-hold. State-of-the-art helical scanners
allow the entire central airways to be imaged in less than 5 sec. The speed of
the examination is particularly important when imaging patients with airway
disorders because many of these patients cannot tolerate the significantly
longer breath-hold time required by single-detector CT scanners. Short
scanning time is also an advantage for imaging during dynamic breathing or at
end-expiration in patients with suspected tracheomalacia, a condition
characterized by excessive collapse of the airway during expiration. We
perform these additional sequences using a low-dose technique (i.e., 40 mA) to
decrease radiation exposure
[12].
Reconstruction and Reformation Methods
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Methods
Three-dimensional reconstructions require the transfer of data to a
separate workstation that allows the interactive display of 3D images in real
time. These workstations are becoming increasingly commonplace in a variety of
inpatient and outpatient radiology department settings. Our experience is with
two workstations (Advantage, General Electric Medical Systems; Vitrea, Vital
Images, Plymouth, MN).
Because volume-rendering techniques allow all the information initially
acquired to be used in the final reconstruction, these methods are preferable
to other techniques such as shaded-surface display, in which a large amount of
data is lost in the final reconstruction
[3,
6]. Most commercially available
workstations provide a menu of options composed of various preset
reconstruction algorithms, including dedicated airway techniques. The use of
clip-editing planes (also referred to as trimming or extraction functions)
precludes the need for tracing regions of interest and allows one to create 3D
images in an efficient manner
[3]. In this way, a trained
technologist or radiologist can complete a series of reconstructions in less
than 10 min.
Two basic methods of 3D imagingexternal rendering and internal
renderingare available
[6,
8,9,10,11].
Of these two methods, external rendering has had the greater clinical impact
on airway imaging to date. Three-dimensional external rendering of the
airways, also referred to as CT tracheobronchography, depicts the external
surface of an airway and its relationship to adjacent structures
[8,
9]. This method has been shown
to help illustrate complex airway abnormalities such as congenital airway
abnormalities (Fig. 3) and to
improve the detection of subtle airway stenoses
[8,
9]
(Fig. 4). For example, in a
study by Remy-Jardin et al. [8]
in which axial and 3D-rendered images were obtained in 47 patients with benign
tracheobronchial stenoses, 3D images provided supplemental information in one
third of the patients by enabling a more precise evaluation of the shape,
length, and degree of airway stenoses. In some of the patients, 3D rendering
enabled the radiologist to identify mild stenoses that were not clearly
depicted on axial images. In the same study, these authors assessed the role
of 3D external rendering of the airway in 15 patients with a variety of
complex tracheobronchial deformities and found that 3D images provided
relevant supplemental information in more than half of the patients and
corrected interpretive errors of axial images in approximately 10% of the
patients.

View larger version (151K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 3. Anomalous origin of right upper lobe segmental bronchi from
right mainstem bronchus in 7-year-old girl with recurrent respiratory
infections. Prior single-detector CT scan (not shown) was nondiagnostic
because of respiratory motion. Multidetector CT scan was obtained in 4 sec and
provided information that changed preoperative plan from lobectomy to
segmentectomy. External three-dimensional volume-rendered image shows
anomalous segmental bronchi (apical bronchus = 1, anterior bronchus = 2,
posterior bronchus = 3) originate directly from right mainstem bronchus rather
than from traditional right upper lobe bronchus. Severe bronchiectasis
(arrows) in anterior segment can also be seen as well as mosaic
pattern of lung attenuation. R = right, S = superior.
|
|

View larger version (92K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 4. Idiopathic subglottic stenosis in 57-year-old woman.
Three-dimensional (3D) external volume-rendered CT image of airway reveals
focal subglottic stenosis (arrows). Airway stenoses are often more
clearly depicted on 3D images than on axial images.
|
|
We now perform 3D external renderings routinely for suspected stenoses and
complex airway abnormalities and find that these images provide important
complementary information to axial images in most cases. In addition, we find
that 3D external-rendered images aid in the assessment of patients with
extrinsic compression of the airway from a variety of causes
(Fig. 5A). In such cases, 3D
images clearly depict the craniocaudal extent of the airway narrowing and the
relationship of the involved airway to the adjacent structures.

View larger version (140K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 5A. Extrinsic tracheal compression caused by thyroid goiter in
48-year-old woman. Three-dimensional external-rendered CT image of trachea
shows smoothly marginated narrowing above level of thoracic inlet. To
emphasize relationship of airway and skeletal landmarks of thoracic inlet, we
chose reconstruction algorithm that extracted thyroid gland.
|
|
Internal rendering, also referred to as virtual bronchoscopy, combines
helical CT data and virtual reality computing techniques to allow the viewer
to navigate through the internal lumen of the airways in a similar fashion to
conventional bronchoscopy
[13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21].
This method produces images that closely correlate with conventional
bronchoscopic images (Figs. 5C
and 5D). Although the images
are visually striking (Fig.
6), the precise role of this emerging technique has yet to be
established. Thus, this method is still primarily considered an
investigational tool [6].
Potential applications of virtual bronchoscopy include screening for
endobronchial neoplasms, evaluating airway stenoses
[18,
20], and guiding
transbronchial needle aspiration procedures
[16,
21].

View larger version (156K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 5C. Extrinsic tracheal compression caused by thyroid goiter in
48-year-old woman. Three-dimensional internal-rendered CT image of trachea
obtained at level of thyroid gland shows symmetric narrowing caused by
extrinsic compression.
|
|

View larger version (98K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 5D. Extrinsic tracheal compression caused by thyroid goiter in
48-year-old woman. Conventional bronchoscopic image of trachea obtained at
same level as B shows similar degree of symmetric narrowing of trachea
at level of thyroid gland.
|
|

View larger version (126K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 6. Postoperative granulation polyp causing airway compromise in
24-year-old man who had previously undergone tracheal surgery. Virtual
bronchoscopic image shows large anterior polyp projecting into tracheal lumen.
Diagnosis of granulation polyp was made at bronchoscopic biopsy.
|
|
Despite the theoretic appeal of virtual bronchoscopy as a complementary
tool to low-dose lung cancer screening with helical CT, this method is
currently limited by a relatively high false-positive rate (Fig.
7A,7B)
and its inability to detect early endobronchial neoplasms
[22,23,24].
Future advances are necessary before this method can be effectively used as a
screening tool.

View larger version (123K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 7A. False-positive virtual bronchoscopic finding in 55-year-old
man. Virtual bronchoscopic image obtained looking down trachea toward carina
reveals focal polypoid lesion (arrow) along posterior wall of
trachea.
|
|

View larger version (91K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 7B. False-positive virtual bronchoscopic finding in 55-year-old
man. Axial CT image obtained at same level as A using lung window
settings shows dependent airway opacity with several gas bubbles
(arrows), which is characteristic appearance of retained
secretions.
|
|
A more practical indication for virtual bronchoscopy is the evaluation of
the airways distal to a high-grade stenosis, beyond which a conventional
bronchoscope cannot pass (Fig.
8A,8B,8C,8D,8E).
In their study of 20 patients with airway stenosis, all of whom had cancer,
Fleiter et al. [20] assessed
virtual and conventional bronchoscopy and found that virtual bronchoscopy
offered the advantage of viewing the airway beyond the site of stenosis in
five patients (25%) in whom the bronchoscope could not pass through the
lesion. Virtual bronchoscopy also offers the potential benefit of viewing a
stenosis or obstructing endobronchial lesion from a distal perspective. In our
practice, we occasionally find virtual bronchoscopy helpful for this
purpose.

View larger version (73K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 8A. Virtual bronchoscopic assessment of bronchial anastomosis
stenosis and distal airways in 56-year-old man who had undergone right lung
transplantation for emphysema. Three-dimensional external-rendered CT image of
airway shows focal narrowing of airway (arrows) at site of bronchial
anastomosis.
|
|

View larger version (93K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 8B. Virtual bronchoscopic assessment of bronchial anastomosis
stenosis and distal airways in 56-year-old man who had undergone right lung
transplantation for emphysema. Virtual bronchoscopic image obtained at level
of carina shows severe stenosis (arrows) at anastomosis site and
normal appearance of left mainstem bronchus.
|
|

View larger version (114K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 8C. Virtual bronchoscopic assessment of bronchial anastomosis
stenosis and distal airways in 56-year-old man who had undergone right lung
transplantation for emphysema. Virtual bronchoscopic image obtained at
slightly lower level than B, looking down right mainstem bronchus,
shows severe stenosis (arrows). Image has been slightly rotated to
offer perspective similar to conventional bronchoscopic image (D). R =
right, P = posterior.
|
|

View larger version (121K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 8D. Virtual bronchoscopic assessment of bronchial anastomosis
stenosis and distal airways in 56-year-old man who had undergone right lung
transplantation for emphysema. Conventional bronchoscopic image obtained at
same level as B shows tight stenosis (arrow) at anastomosis
site, beyond which bronchoscope could not pass.
|
|

View larger version (95K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 8E. Virtual bronchoscopic assessment of bronchial anastomosis
stenosis and distal airways in 56-year-old man who had undergone right lung
transplantation for emphysema. Virtual bronchoscopic image obtained distal to
site of stenosis shows normal appearance of airways in transplanted lung.
|
|
Although virtual bronchoscopy was initially touted as a method for guiding
transbronchial needle aspiration procedures of lymph nodes, this application
has been largely supplanted by CT fluoroscopy because CT fluoroscopy provides
real-time rather than virtual guidance
[25,26,27].
In settings where CT fluoroscopy is not available, however, virtual
bronchoscopy may be useful for providing a "road map" to the
pulmonologist. For example, in a pilot study by McAdams et al.
[21], virtual guidance
improved the yield of and reduced the time required for CT fluoroscopy.
Researchers have suggested that future technologic advances will allow
interactive, real-time virtual reality guidance of airway procedures such as
bronchoscopy and surgery [11].
Thus, this technique will likely play a larger role in these settings in the
future.
Two-Dimensional Multiplanar Reformation Methods
Two-dimensional reformation methods, which include multiplanar reformations
and multiplanar volume reformations
[6,
10], are the easiest
reconstructions to generate and can be interactively performed in real time at
the CT console or at a dedicated workstation. Multiplanar reformation images
are 1-voxel-thick sections that can be displayed in the coronal and sagittal
planes or in a curved fashion along the axis of an airway. Multiplanar volume
reformation images comprise a thick slab of adjacent thin slices and represent
a block of contiguous images (Fig.
9A,9B,9C).
Multiplanar volume reformation images thus combine the spatial resolution of
multiplanar reformation images with the anatomic display of thick slices
[11]. In addition to being
reconstructed in the sagittal, coronal, and curved oblique planes, multiplanar
volume reformation images can be reconstructed along the axis of the carina to
enhance the continuous display of the central airways using a rotational
(i.e., "paddle-wheel") method
[28]
(Fig. 10).

View larger version (69K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 9A. Extrinsic bronchial compression from bronchogenic cyst in
51-year-old woman with recurrent left lower lobe pneumonias. Curved oblique
two-dimensional multiplanar volume reformation image obtained along axis of
left airway shows narrowing of left lower lobe bronchus as a result of
extrinsic compression by adjacent mass (red), which was proven to
represent bronchogenic cyst at surgery.
|
|

View larger version (97K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 9B. Extrinsic bronchial compression from bronchogenic cyst in
51-year-old woman with recurrent left lower lobe pneumonias. Conventional
bronchoscopic image obtained at level of left lower lobe bronchus shows
extrinsic compression from adjacent bulging cyst.
|
|

View larger version (158K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 9C. Extrinsic bronchial compression from bronchogenic cyst in
51-year-old woman with recurrent left lower lobe pneumonias. Three-dimensional
external-rendered CT image shows relationship of cyst (red) and
bronchi from different perspective.
|
|

View larger version (113K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 10. Rotational "paddle-wheel" reformation method of
normal central airways in 57-year-old man. Paddle-wheel multiplanar volume
reformation image shows central airways in continuous display on single image.
Minimum-intensity-projection algorithm, which highlights minimum-density
voxels such as air-filled structures, was used to enhance visibility of
airways in lung parenchyma. Also note evidence of emphysema.
|
|
Two-dimensional reformation images are helpful in the assessment of airway
stenosis, endobronchial stents, and tracheomalacia
[6,
11,
29,30,31].
For assessment of patients with tracheomalacia, paired end-inspiratory and
end-expiratory sagittal 2D images along the axis of the trachea are helpful
for displaying the craniocaudal extent of excessive tracheal collapse during
expiration (Fig.
11A,11B).

View larger version (124K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 11A. Tracheomalacia in 36-year-old woman with dyspnea and cough.
Sagittal multiplanar volume reformation image obtained at end-inspiration
shows normal caliber (arrows) of trachea (T). Air-filled structure
posterior to trachea represents slightly distended esophagus.
|
|

View larger version (146K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 11B. Tracheomalacia in 36-year-old woman with dyspnea and cough.
Sagittal multiplanar volume reformation image obtained during dynamic
breathing shows excessive collapse (arrows) of intrathoracic trachea
(T), consistent with tracheomalacia, which was confirmed at conventional
bronchoscopy. Grainy appearance of image reflects use of low-dose technique
(40 mA).
|
|
With regard to the assessment of airway stenoses, multiplanar volume
reformation methods aid in the detection of mild stenoses
(Fig. 12), improve the
accuracy of determining the length of stenoses, and aid in the identification
of horizontal webs [6,
30,31,32].
Review of multiplanar volume-reformatted images has been shown to aid in the
planning of stent placement or surgery
[32]. In addition, these
images provide an accurate measure to follow up patients who have undergone
airway procedures [32]. The
continuous display of stents provided by multiplanar volume-reformatted images
also aids the identification of complications such as stent migration and
fracture.

View larger version (60K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 12. Airway obstruction and stenosis caused by nonsmall
cell lung cancer in 56-year-old woman. Coronal minimal-intensity-projection
multiplanar volume reformation image shows complete obstruction of bronchus
intermedius (thick arrow) and narrowing of left mainstem bronchus
(thin arrows). Although bronchus intermedius obstruction was seen
equally well with axial images, length and severity of left mainstem bronchus
narrowing were underestimated on axial images (not shown).
|
|
We routinely perform 2D multiplanar volume-reformatted images for the
assessment of tracheomalacia, airway stents, and airway stenoses. For the
latter indication, we perform both multiplanar volume-reformatted and 3D
images because we find that these images often provide complementary
information (Figs. 1B,
1C,
5A,
5B,
9A, and
9C).

View larger version (114K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[as a PowerPoint slide]
|
Fig. 5B. Extrinsic tracheal compression caused by thyroid goiter in
48-year-old woman. Coronal multiplanar volume reformation image shows
relationship of enlarged thyroid gland (red) to trachea.
|
|
In summary, multidetector CT has ushered in an exciting new era of central
airways imaging. Multiplanar and 3D reconstruction images provide an important
complementary method of viewing central airways disorders and offer the
potential to improve diagnostic confidence and accuracy and enhance
communication and planning for procedures. At present, we routinely obtain
these images for the assessment of airway stenoses and webs, complex airways
diseases, tracheomalacia, and stent placement. We anticipate that future
advances in CT technology, data-processing, and image display will further
expand the role of multiplanar and 3D reconstruction images in the assessment
of a variety of disorders of the central airways.
Acknowledgments
We thank Michael Larson for assistance with photography, Donna Wolfe for
editorial assistance, Ellen C. Boiselle for her thoughtful review of this
manuscript, Dawn Weeks for technical assistance with CT reformation and
reconstruction images, David Feller-Kopman for assistance with conventional
bronchoscopic images, and Julianna Szymanczyk for administrative
assistance.
References
- Hu H, He HD, Foley WD, Fox SH. Four multidetector-row helical CT:
image quality and volume coverage speed. Radiology
2000;215:55
-62[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Klingenbeck-Regn K, Schaller S, Flohr T, Ohnesorge B, Kopp AF, Baum
U. Subsecond multi-slice computed tomography: basics and applications.
Eur J Radiol
1999;31:110
-124[Medline]
- Lawler LP, Fishman EK. Multi-detector row CT of thoracic disease
with emphasis on 3D volume rendering and CT angiography.
RadioGraphics
2001;21:1257
-1273[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Rydberg J, Buckwalter KA, Caldemeyer KS, et al. Multislice CT:
scanning techniques and clinical applications.
RadioGraphics
2000;20:1787
-1806[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Choi RJ, Boiselle PM. Multidetector helical computed tomography.
In: Boiselle PM, White CS, eds. New techniques in thoracic
imaging. New York: Marcel-Dekker, 2001:71
-90
- Ravenel JG, McAdams HP, Remy-Jardin M, Remy J. Multidimensional
imaging of the thorax: practical applications. J Thorac
Imaging 2001;16:269
-281[Medline]
- Fleischmann D, Rubin GD, Paik DS, et al. Stairstep artifacts with
single versus multiple detector-row helical CT.
Radiology
2000;216:185
-196[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Remy-Jardin M, Remy J, Artaud D, Fribourg M, Naili A.
Tracheobronchial tree: assessment with volume renderingtechnical
aspects. Radiology
1998;208:393
-398[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Remy-Jardin M, Remy J, Artaud D, Fribourg M, Duhamel A. Volume
rendering of the tracheobronchial tree: clinical evaluation of bronchographic
images. Radiology
1998;208:761
-770[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Naidich DP, Gruden JF, McGuinness G, McCauley DI, Bhalla M.
Volumetric (helical/spiral) CT (VCT) of the airways. J Thorac
Imaging 1997;12:11
-28[Medline]
- Salvolini L, Secchi EB, Costarelli L, De Nicola M. Clinical
applications of 2D and 3D CT imaging of the airways: a review. Eur
J Radiol 2000;34:9
-25[Medline]
- Choi YW, McAdams HP, Jeon SC, Park C, Lee S, Hahm C. Low-dose
spiral CT: application to three-dimensional imaging of central airways.
(abstr) Radiology
2000;217(P):385[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Higgins WE, Ramaswamy K, Swift RD, McLennan G, Hoffman EA. Virtual
bronchoscopy for three-dimensional pulmonary image assessment: state of the
art and future needs. RadioGraphics
1998;18:761
-778[Abstract]
- Haponik EF, Aquino SL, Vining DJ. Virtual bronchoscopy.
Clin Chest Med
1999;20:201
-217[Medline]
- Vining DJ, Liu K, Choplin RH, Haponik EF. Virtual bronchoscopy:
relationships of virtual reality endobronchial simulations to actual
bronchoscopic findings. Chest
1996;109:549
-553[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Boiselle PM, Patz EF Jr, Vining DJ, Weissleder R, Shepard JOA,
McLoud TC. Imaging of mediastinal lymph nodes: CT, MR, and FDG PET.
RadioGraphics
1998;18:1061
-1069[Abstract]
- Rodenwaldt J, Kopka L, Roedel R, Margas A, Grabbe E. 3D virtual
endoscopy of the upper airway: optimization of the scan parameters in a
cadaver phantom and clinical assessment. J Comput Assist
Tomogr 1997;21:405
-411[Medline]
- Kauczor HU, Wolcke B, Fischer B, Mildenberger P, Lorenz J, Thelen
M. Three-dimensional helical CT of the tracheobronchial tree: evaluation of
imaging protocols and assessment of suspect stenoses with bronchoscopic
correlation. AJR
1996;167:419
-424[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Hopper KD, Iyriboz AT, Wise SW, Neuman JD, Mauger DT, Kasales CJ.
Mucosal detail at CT virtual reality: surface versus volume rendering.
Radiology
2000;214:517
-522[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Fleiter T, Merkle EM, Aschoff AJ, et al. Comparison of real-time
virtual and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients with bronchial carcinoma:
opportunities and limitations. AJR
1997;169:1591
-1595[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- McAdams HP, Goodman PC, Kussin P. Virtual bronchoscopy for
directing transbronchial needle aspiration of hilar and mediastinal lymph
nodes: a pilot study. AJR
1998;170:1361
-1364[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Summers RM, Selbie WS, Malley JD, et al. Polypoid lesions of
airways: early experience with computer-assisted detection by using virtual
bronchoscopy and surface curvature. Radiology
1998;208:331
-337[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Summers RM, Shaw DJ, Shelhamer JH. CT virtual bronchoscopy of
simulated endobronchial lesions: effect of scanning, reconstruction, and
display settings and potential pitfalls. AJR
1998;170:947
-950[Free Full Text]
- Boiselle PM, Ernst A, Karp DD. Lung cancer detection in the 21st
century: potential contributions and challenges of emerging technologies.
AJR
2000;175:1215
-1221[Free Full Text]
- Goldberg SN, Raptopoulos V, Boiselle PM, Edinburgh KJ, Ernst A.
Mediastinal lymphadenopathy: diagnostic yield of transbronchial mediastinal
lymph node biopsy with CT fluoroscopic guidanceinitial experience.
Radiology
2000;216:764
-767[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Garpestad E, Goldberg S, Herth F, et al. CT fluoroscopy guidance
for transbronchial needle aspiration: an experience in 35 patients.
Chest
2001;119:329
-332[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- White CS, Weiner EA, Patel P, Britt EJ. Transbronchial needle
aspiration: guidance with CT fluoroscopy. Chest
2000;118:1630
-1638[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Simon M, Boiselle PM, Choi JR, Rosen MP, Reynolds K, Raptopoulos V.
Paddle-wheel CT display of pulmonary arteries and other lung structures: a new
imaging approach. AJR
2001;177:195
-198[Free Full Text]
- McAdams HP, Palmer SM, Erasmus JJ, et al. Bronchial anastomotic
complications in lung transplant recipients: virtual bronchoscopy for
noninvasive assessment. Radiology
1998;209:689
-695[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Quint LE, Whyte RI, Kazerooni EA, et al. Stenosis of the central
airways: evaluation by using helical CT with multiplanar reconstructions.
Radiology
1995;194:871
-877[Abstract/Free Full Text]
- Remy-Jardin M, Remy J, Deschildre F, Artaud D, Ramon P, Edme JL.
Obstructive lesions of the central airways: evaluation by using spiral CT with
multiplanar and three-dimensional reformations. Eur
Radiol 1996;6:807
-816[Medline]
- LoCicero J, Costello P, Campos CT, et al. Spiral CT with
multiplanar and 3D reconstructions accurately predicts tracheobronchial
pathology. Ann Thorac Surg
1996;62:811
-817[Abstract/Free Full Text]

CiteULike
Complore
Connotea
Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Technorati What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:

|
 |

|
 |
 
S. D. Murgu and H. G. Colt
Complications of Silicone Stent Insertion in Patients With Expiratory Central Airway Collapse
Ann. Thorac. Surg.,
December 1, 2007;
84(6):
1870 - 1877.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
K. S. Lee, A. Ernst, D. E. Trentham, W. Lunn, D. J. Feller-Kopman, and P. M. Boiselle
Relapsing Polychondritis: Prevalence of Expiratory CT Airway Abnormalities
Radiology,
August 1, 2006;
240(2):
565 - 573.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
A. Quon, S. Napel, C. F. Beaulieu, and S. S. Gambhir
"Flying Through" and "Flying Around" a PET/CT Scan: Pilot Study and Development of 3D Integrated 18F-FDG PET/CT for Virtual Bronchoscopy and Colonoscopy
J. Nucl. Med.,
July 1, 2006;
47(7):
1081 - 1087.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
W. Lunn, D. Feller-Kopman, M. Wahidi, S. Ashiku, R. Thurer, and A. Ernst
Endoscopic Removal of Metallic Airway Stents
Chest,
June 1, 2005;
127(6):
2106 - 2112.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
R. H. Baroni, D. Feller-Kopman, M. Nishino, H. Hatabu, S. H. Loring, A. Ernst, and P. M. Boiselle
Tracheobronchomalacia: Comparison between End-expiratory and Dynamic Expiratory CT for Evaluation of Central Airway Collapse
Radiology,
May 1, 2005;
235(2):
635 - 641.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
Y. Onodera, T. Omatsu, S. Takeuchi, N. Shinagawa, K. Yamazaki, T. Nishioka, and K. Miyasaka
Enhanced Virtual Bronchoscopy Using the Pulmonary Artery: Improvement in Route Mapping for Ultraselective Transbronchial Lung Biopsy
Am. J. Roentgenol.,
October 1, 2004;
183(4):
1103 - 1110.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
P. Ross Jr, C. M. Magro, and M. A. King
Endobronchial histoplasmosis: a masquerade of primary endobronchial neoplasia--a clinical study of four cases
Ann. Thorac. Surg.,
July 1, 2004;
78(1):
277 - 281.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
A. Ernst, D. Feller-Kopman, H. D. Becker, and A. C. Mehta
Central Airway Obstruction
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med.,
June 15, 2004;
169(12):
1278 - 1297.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
A. Ernst
Airway Obstruction and Stenting: More Complex than We Thought?
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med.,
May 15, 2004;
169(10):
1081 - 1082.
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
E. Y. Lee, M. J. Siegel, C. F. Hildebolt, F. R. Gutierrez, S. Bhalla, and J. H. Fallah
MDCT Evaluation of Thoracic Aortic Anomalies in Pediatric Patients and Young Adults: Comparison of Axial, Multiplanar, and 3D Images
Am. J. Roentgenol.,
March 1, 2004;
182(3):
777 - 784.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
J. Zhang, I. Hasegawa, H. Hatabu, D. Feller-Kopman, and P. M. Boiselle
Frequency and Severity of Air Trapping at Dynamic Expiratory CT in Patients with Tracheobronchomalacia
Am. J. Roentgenol.,
January 1, 2004;
182(1):
81 - 85.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|

|
 |

|
 |
 
M. J. Siegel
Multiplanar and Three-dimensional Multi-Detector Row CT of Thoracic Vessels and Airways in the Pediatric Population
Radiology,
December 1, 2003;
229(3):
641 - 650.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
 |
|