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CT appearance of lunate trachea
L Lomasney1, C J Bergin, J Lomasney
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Lunate shaped trachea, a rare variation, is identified by a tracheal index over 1. This study details a case where membranous septum destruction significantly increased this index, visualized via computed tomography.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical variations
- Medical imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) offers detailed tracheal visualization.
- Variations in tracheal shape are infrequently described.
- Normal tracheal cartilage is typically U-shaped.
Observation:
- A lunate shaped trachea, uncommon in anatomy, was observed.
- This variation is defined by a tracheal index (coronal/sagittal diameter ratio) exceeding 1.
- The CT appearance of this lunate trachea was correlated with pathologic sections.
Findings:
- The patient presented with a lunate shaped trachea.
- Destruction of the membranous septum was identified as the cause.
- This destruction led to a marked increase in the tracheal index.
Implications:
- Highlights CT's role in identifying rare tracheal anatomical variations.
- Correlates structural changes (septal destruction) with specific tracheal morphology.
- Enhances understanding of tracheal deformities and their imaging characteristics.