Postintubation Tracheal Stenosis Evaluated by Endobronchial Optical Coherence Tomography: A Canine Model Study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Medical Imaging
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Predictors and airway morphological changes in postintubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) remain poorly understood.
• Accurate assessment of PITS development is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT) for assessing airway morphological changes in PITS.
• To correlate EB-OCT findings with histopathological measurements in a PITS model.

Main Methods:

• A postintubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) model was established in beagles via oral endotracheal intubation.
• Endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT) was performed at various time points.
• Histopathological analysis was conducted and compared with EB-OCT measurements of tracheal wall thickness and gray-scale values.

Main Results:

• EB-OCT findings, including edema, granulation tissue, cartilage destruction, and airway thickening, correlated well with histopathology.
• Tracheal wall thickness significantly increased, and gray-scale values decreased during PITS development (p < 0.05).
• A strong negative correlation was observed between gray-scale value and airway wall thickness (r = -0.945, p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

• EB-OCT is a validated tool for assessing airway morphological changes in PITS, consistent with histopathological findings.
• EB-OCT evaluation of cartilage damage and gray-scale values may aid in predicting PITS development and prognosis.