Three-dimensional imaging of the pediatric airway

Abstract

Accurate imaging of the pediatric tracheobronchial tree is indicated for the evaluation of congenital or acquired abnormalities. Conventional axial computed tomography (CT) is now considered the best imaging modality for evaluation of the trachea and major bronchi, and has almost completely replaced the former gold standard of tracheobronchography. Preliminary results indicate that CT scan performance is further enhanced through the application of spiral technology and two-dimensional (2D) and 3D representation of the tracheobronchial tree. Spiral CT scans with 3D surface rendering offers an opportunity to replace traditional tracheobronchography with a safer, less invasive modality.