Advanced Technologies for Imaging and Visualization of the Tracheobronchial Tree: From Computed Tomography and MRI to Virtual Endoscopy

: Advanced imaging plays an increasingly important role in the evaluation of the trachea. The use of computed tomography (CT) has evolved to include multi-planar reconstructions and 3-dimensional reconstructions for the evaluation of benign and malignant disease of the trachea. Advanced applications of CT include dynamic expiratory imaging for the diagnosis of tracheomalacia and virtual endoscopy as a complementary or alternative examination to flexible bronchoscopy. MRI of the trachea has limited applications but may see increased use in the future.