Imaging the upper airways

Radiological evaluation of the airway has been used as a screening tool and an adjunct to endoscopy for many years. It provides non-invasive data on the structure of the airway, often avoiding the risk of general anaesthesia. Standard radiographs provide some information on the intricate anatomy of the paediatric airway aided by fluoroscopy. More recently, CT and MRI are proving to have a valuable role and are approaching near endoscopic detail of airway anatomy. The purpose of this article is to highlight areas where radiology can aid in the evaluation of the airway of infants and children.