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[Inner surface imaging of laryngeal and tracheal stenosis by spiral-CT: role of a new diagnostic procedure].

BACKGROUND
Inner-surface-reconstruction calculated from helical-CT data sets offers a new diagnostic option for upper airway assessment. Using a special software, it is possible to create a continuous overview on the inner surface of hollow viscera on a monitor, similar to an endoscopic view. However, reports on the clinical value of this examination procedure with regard to laryngeal or tracheal stenosis are rare.


METHOD
We compared the results of this "virtual endoscopy" with real endoscopic or intraoperative findings in 11 patients suffering from laryngeal or tracheal stenosis of various etiologies.


RESULTS
Data on extension and localization of airway stenosis obtained by virtual endoscopy corresponded well with our endoscopic or intraoperative findings in all patients. The grade of airway stenosis as assessed by inner-surface-reconstruction could be confirmed by endoscopy in 8 of 11 cases investigated. Detection of 2 additional airway stenoses distal to an endoscopically non-passable tracheal stenosis was possible by virtual endoscopy in one case.


CONCLUSION
As a supportive diagnostic procedure, virtual endoscopy offers a valuable overview on extension and localization of laryngeal or tracheal stenoses with regard to a possible therapeutic management.