The value of computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy in evaluating tumors of bronchial tree

Background: The aim of the study was to find an optimal method of bronchial tree examination using CT virtual bronchoscopy and to evaluate the method for its diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of lung malignancies. Additionally, diagnostic accuracy of the used CT system was analyzed. Material/Methods: The examination was conducted in 154 patients from the University Hospital in Cracow and the University Hospital in Leuven (Belgium). The first group of patients was examined using single detector-row HeliCat Flash CT scanner (Philips Medical Systems) in the Department of Radiology of the University Hospital in Cracow. The second group of patients was examined using 16-detector-row Mx8000 IDT 16 CT scanner (Philips Medical System) in the University Hospital in Leuven, Belgium. Lung lesions were evaluated by their central and segmental localization in bronchial tree and the degree of bronchial tree stenosis was assessed subsequently. Results: It was shown that singleslice CT virtual bronchoscopy allows a reliable evaluation of the lesions with central localization in bronchial tree, while diagnostic accuracy of multislice CT virtual bronchoscopy is comparable with bronchofiberoscopy in the evaluation of lesions with central and segmental localization. Conclusions: As a result of the study it was concluded that type of the used CT system affected the obtained results. Multislice CT is more accurate in assessing the lesions localized in bronchial tree in considerably shorter time.