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©2011 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Radiol. Dec 28, 2011; 3(12): 289-297
Published online Dec 28, 2011. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v3.i12.289
Published online Dec 28, 2011. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v3.i12.289
Multidetector computed tomography imaging of congenital anomalies of major airways: A pictorial essay
Dinesh Kumar Sundarakumar, Ashu Seith Bhalla, Raju Sharma, Arun Kumar Gupta, Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
Susheel Kumar Kabra, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
Priya Jagia, Department of Cardiac Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
Author contributions: Sundarakumar DK reviewed and summarized the literature that provided the basis of the manuscript; Bhalla AS, Sharma R, Gupta AK, Kabra SK and Jagia P contributed to the conceptual design of the manuscript and case input.
Correspondence to: Dr. Ashu Seith Bhalla, Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India. ashubhalla1@yahoo.com
Telephone: +91-11-26588500 Fax: +91-11-26588641
Received: May 17, 2011
Revised: September 7, 2011
Accepted: October 11, 2011
Published online: December 28, 2011
Revised: September 7, 2011
Accepted: October 11, 2011
Published online: December 28, 2011
Abstract
Congenital airway anomalies can be asymptomatic or may cause severe respiratory distress requiring immediate treatment. These anomalies can present early in life, or may be just incidental findings. It is important to recognize these entities to realize their clinical significance and to avoid false diagnosis. In this article, the various congenital airway anomalies and their imaging features by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) are reviewed in order of occurrence during the embryological timeline. This pictorial essay reviews the various distinct congenital airway lesions and their MDCT manifestations. It also provides insight into the embryological basis of the congenital airway lesions encountered.
Keywords: Airway; Anomalies; Computed tomography; Congenital