[Synopsis of computed tomography, scintigraphy and bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of bronchial carcinoma]

In 87 patients with histologically proven bronchogenic carcinoma, computerised tomography (CT) and bronchoscopy were performed to assess the accuracy of CT in detecting bronchial stenosis. Whereas patent airways and mainstem stenosis were recognised in 85% of the cases, the overall accuracy was only 57%. Furthermore, the results of both methods were compared to scintigraphy (ventilation, perfusion) to evaluate the functional impairment due to altered lung morphology and bronchial stenosis. With an increasing number of CT-diagnosed atelectatic or infiltrated segments an almost linear decrease in ventilation and perfusion values was observed. In comparison, bronchoscopy-diagnosed tumour stenosis resulted in decreased ventilation and perfusion data only if the lesion was centrally located.