Advances in pediatric airway radiology

Radiologic evaluation of the airway has been used as a screening tool and an adjunct to endoscopy for many years. It provides noninvasive data on the structure of the airway while avoiding the risk of general anesthesia. In the past, standard radiographs provided only a shadow of the intricate anatomy of the pediatric airway. Not only have there been advances in static imaging but there now exists technology that enable noninvasive dynamic imaging and new techniques for image-guided intervention within the airway. This article focuses on four specific areas: airway fluoroscopy, functional swallow studies, controlled ventilation computed tomography, and interventional airway techniques.