RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Quantifying tracheobronchial tree dimensions: methods, limitations and emerging techniques
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 42
OP 55
DO 10.1183/09031936.00020408
VO 34
IS 1
A1 J. P. Williamson
A1 A. L. James
A1 M. J. Phillips
A1 D. D. Sampson
A1 D. R. Hillman
A1 P. R. Eastwood
YR 2009
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/34/1/42.abstract
AB The ability to measure airway dimensions is important for clinicians, interventional bronchoscopists and researchers in order to accurately quantify structural abnormalities and track their changes over time or in response to treatment. Most quantitative airway measurements are based on X-ray computed tomography and, more recently, on multidetector computed tomography. Quantitative bronchoscopic techniques have also been developed, although these are less widely employed. Emerging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic optical coherence tomography, endobronchial ultrasound and confocal endomicroscopy, provide new research tools with potential clinical applications. An understanding of issues related to the acquisition, processing and analysis of images, and how such issues impact on imaging the tracheobronchial tree, is essential in order to assess measurement accuracy and to make effective use of the newer methods. This article contributes to this understanding by providing a comprehensive review of current and emerging techniques for quantifying airway dimensions.