Role of multi slice computed tomography in the evaluation of congenital anomalies of tracheobronchial tree and lungs

ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of MSCT in the evaluation of congenital anomalies of tracheobronchial tree and lungPatients and methodsTwenty nine patients with congenital anomalies of tracheobronchial tree and lung were examined using four and six MDCT.ResultsSeven patients (24%) had congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation where successful differentiation of the type was possible. Three patients (10.3%) with bronchopulmonary sequestration were categorized as two (7%) intralobar and one (3.5%) extralobar sequestrations. Four patients (14%) had congenital lobar overinflation. Four patients had Scimitar syndrome with right pulmonary artery hypoplasia, right sided lung hypoplasia, anomalous arterial supply and anomalous pulmonary venous drainage together with pulmonary hypertension. Abnormal bronchial anatomy was revealed in two patients with pulmonary isomerism and one patient with situs inversus. Bronchogenic cyst, tracheal bronchus, Kertagner's syndrome, pulmonary agenesis and horse shoe lung were seen in one patient each. Dynamic MSCT shows the lunate configuration of the trachea during forced expiration in one patient with tracheomalacia. In one patient with tracheo-esophageal fistula, the extent of fistulous tract and the resulting bronchial aspiration were demonstrated.ConclusionMSCT proved to be indispensable as a preoperative planning modality and an essential investigation for congenital anomalies of the lung and tracheobronchial tree.