抄録
To evaluate the usefulness and limitations of three dimensional (3D) imaging of the larynx and trachea using high-speed helical (or spiral) CT scanning, 3D images were reconstructed for one dissected human larynx, 2 patients with laryngeal cancer and 3 patients with tracheal lesions. The larynxes and tracheae were scanned in 2 mm slices and reconstructed using a slice thickness of 1 mm. Using the volume rendering technique, the reconstructed 3D images could be displayed in various colors with differing degrees of transparency. A comparison was made between the macroscopic (or endoscopic) findings and 3D CT images of the larynx and trachea. Almost all of the structures remained distinct. The 3D images obtained by helical CT proved useful for understanding the laryngeal and tracheal anatomy, especially in areas which can not be clearly seen by endoscopy or conventional axial CT.
