Helical CT with multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction of nonneoplastic abnormalities of the trachea

Helical CT is being increasingly used for the evaluation of suspected tracheal diseases. Although nonneoplastic and noninfectious diseases of the trachea are rare, their appearance on CT images may be highly suggestive of the diagnosis. High quality multiplanar and 3D reconstructions including 3D surface-shaded display and virtual bronchoscopy are helpful to characterize tracheal abnormalities and to demonstrate the location and extent of the diseases.