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Paratracheal air cysts: prevalence and correlation with lung diseases using multi-detector CT
Ahmet Veysel Polat1, Muzaffer Elmali, Ramazan Aydin
1Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology
|March 20, 2014
Summary
Paratracheal air cysts (PACs) are common findings on chest CT scans, particularly in men. These cysts are significantly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and should not be mistaken for pneumomediastinum.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Imaging
Background:
- Paratracheal air cysts (PACs) are anatomical variations that can be incidentally found during thoracic imaging.
- Understanding the prevalence and associations of PACs is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of paratracheal air cysts (PACs) using chest multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT).
- To investigate the correlation of PACs with various lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- To assess the connection of PACs with the trachea.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of chest MDCT images from 8240 consecutive patients.
- Assessment of PACs for prevalence, location, size, and communication with the trachea.
- Comparison of PAC findings with MDCT diagnoses of lung diseases and demographic data.
Main Results:
- PACs were identified in 4% of patients (301/8240), with a higher prevalence in men.
- 16.6% of PACs demonstrated communication with the trachea or main bronchus.
- A statistically significant association was found between PACs and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- PACs are a common finding on MDCT scans and should be differentiated from pneumomediastinum.
- The presence of PACs may be linked to COPD, warranting clinical consideration.
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