Imaging of the large airways

Recent advances in multidetector-row CT technology and advances in post-processing techniques have revolutionized the ability to noninvasively image the large airways. This article provides a comprehensive review of imaging of the large airways. Introductory sections covering airway anatomy and CT imaging methods are followed by a review of tracheobronchial stenoses, neoplasms, tracheobronchomalacia, and congenital large airway abnormalities. Throughout, an emphasis is placed upon the complementary role of axial CT images and multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional reconstruction images for noninvasively assessing the large airways.