CT/MR correlation in the evaluation of tracheobronchial neoplasia

In patients with tumors of tracheobronchial origin, computed tomography (CT) provides detailed information critical to accurate tumor staging. By precisely delineating the intra- and extraluminal extent of disease, CT has proved complementary to fiberoptic bronchoscopy, both for initial screening and as an aid in determining appropriate candidates for either transbronchial needle aspiration and biopsy or endoscopic laser therapy. CT has proved especially valuable as a guide to patients with radiographic evidence of lobar or segmental collapse. The advantages and limitations of CT as well as magnetic resonance (MR) in the evaluation of tracheobronchial neoplasia are discussed and illustrated.