VIRTUAL ENDOSCOPY IN THE EVALUATION OF POST-TRACHEOTOMY LARYNGOTRACHEAL STENOSIS
1Zonguldak Karaelmas Üniversitesi, KBB AD, Zonguldak, Türkiye2Zonguldak Karaelmas Üniversitesi, Radyoloji AD, Zonguldak, Türkiye
3Zonguldak Karaelmas Üniversitesi, Göğüs Hastalıkları AD, Zonguldak, Türkiye Objective: Virtual endoscopy (VE) is three-dimensional representation of hollow structures generated from two-dimensional computerized tomography images by the help of computer. We aimed to evaluate the tracheotomy site by virtual endoscopy in patients who underwent tracheotomy.
Material and Method: Eight patients who underwent tracheotomy for various reasons and were decanulated after a limited period entered the study. Three-dimensional reconstruction images of the tracheotomy site were generated and the degree of stenosis was graded according to Myer grading system for each patient.
Results: Low grade tracheal stenosis was detected in two patients. Irregularity of the anterior tracheal wall and fractures of the tracheal rings secondary to tracheotomy were detected in all of the remaining six patients.
Conclusion: VE can be used to obtain reliable endoluminal images of the lesions localized in the larynx and trachea. It can also be used as a supplementary diagnostic method when videolaryngoscopy and /or rigid or flexible bronchoscopy fail to show regions distal to the lesion.
Keywords : Tracheotomy; laryngotracheal stenosis; virtual endoscopy