Helical CT imaging of bronchial arteries with curved reformation technique in comparison with selective bronchial arteriography: Preliminary report

Purpose: Our goal was to evaluate the ability of helical CT to identify and demonstrate the origins and courses of bronchial arteries, using the curved reformation technique, in patients undergoing bronchial arterial interventional procedures. Methods: Thin section helical CT was performed on seven patients before bronchial arterial interventional procedures. The curved reformation technique was used to demonstrate the origins and continuous vessel tracing of bronchial arteries and compared with bronchial arteriographic findings. Results: In all, 16 bronchial arteries were evaluated, 8 on the right and 8 on the left. The origins of 12 bronchial arteries were identified. In the demonstration of tracing vessels, seven right bronchial arteries and three left were classified as excellent or fair. Conclusion: Helical CT imaging with the curved reformation technique is helpful in identifying bronchial arteries, especially on the right, in patients with indications for bronchial arterial interventional procedures.