Radiological evaluation of post-traumatic tracheal stenosis using multidetector CT with multiplanar reformatted imaging and virtual bronchoscopy: Comparison with intraoperative findings

AimTo evaluate the diagnostic utility of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) (axial, multiplanar reformatted images and virtual bronchoscopy) in preoperative assessment of post-traumatic tracheal stenosis.Materials and methodsTwenty-four patients with post-traumatic tracheal stenosis underwent tracheal resection anastomosis. The diagnosis was ascertained on the basis of history and rigid-bronchoscopy. All patients were preoperatively evaluated by MDCT. Intraoperative findings were used as the gold standard. Lesions were evaluated in terms of site, distance from the vocal cords, length, grade of the stenosis and length of the planned resected segment.ResultsThe sensitivity of MDCT was 100%, 100%, 92.3%, 92.3%, 96% and its accuracy was, 100%, 100%, 96%, 96%, 88.8% in assessment of tracheal stenotic site, distance from the vocal cords, length, length of segment planned for resection and stenotic grade, respectively. MPR (coronal and sagittal reformatted) images were 100% sensitive in detecting stenotic site and distance from the vocal cord. It showed 92.3% sensitivity and 96% accuracy in assessment of the stenotic segment length and the length of segment planned for resection. VB showed 96% sensitivity and 88.8% accuracy.ConclusionMDCT with its various display modes improved the preoperative evaluation of post-traumatic tracheal stenosis. The combined interpretation of axial, multiplanar reformatted and VE leads to improved diagnostic confidence. We recommend it as a constant demand for preoperative evaluation of post-traumatic tracheal stenosis.