[Application of 16-slice spiral low-dose CT in the diagnosis of tracheobronchial stenosis and obstruction].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical values of 16-slice spiral low-dose CT (LDCT) in the diagnosis of the tracheobronchial stenosis and obstruction.

METHODS

Both 16-slice spiral LDCT and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) were used to examine the tracheobronchial stenosis and obstruction in 28 patients. With the FB findings as the gold standards, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 16-slice spiral LDCT in the diagnosis of the tracheobronchial stenosis and obstruction.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 16-slice spiral LDCT were 91.3%, 97.6%, and 97.9% in the diagnosis of stenosis and obstruction of central airways, and were 98.1%, 86.7% and 97.6% in the diagnosis of those conditions of segmental bronchi. Difference between 16-slice spiral LDCT and FB was not significant in diagnosing the central air ways (P = 0.257) , but was significant in diagnosing segmental bronchi (P = 0.035). Significant consistency existed between 16-slice spiral LDCT and FB in examining the normal structure, stenosis, and obstruction of tracheo-bronchi (P < 0.001). The consistency was good (Kappa = 0.846) for central airways and was moderate for segmental airways (Kappa = 0.694).

CONCLUSION

16-slice spiral LDCT can accurately detect the tracheobronchial stenosis and obstruction and therefore be a useful tool in clinical practice.