Tracheal lesions--assessment by conventional films, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

The radiological evaluation of the trachea is comprehensive and includes lateral neck and anteroposterior high kilovoltage conventional X-ray films; fluoroscopy; barium study of the esophagus; angiography for vascular lesions; computed tomography (CT), which is of great value in assessing tumors that have penetrated the wall of the trachea; and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), especially helpful in delineating the entire length of a stenosis or a tumor because of its coronal, oblique and sagittal views. The authors describe the etiologic, anatomic and clinical aspects of tracheal stenosis, and review benign and malignant tracheal tumors together with a description of their CT and MRI characteristics.