CT bronchoscopy

CT bronchoscopy with volumetric rendering can play a significant role in patients with mediastinal/hilar tumor and lymphadenopathy. By localizing (tagging) tumor foci on the axial images, volumetric rendering allows the tumors to be seen through normal-appearing mucosa. Such images can guide the bronchoscopist in finding the ideal site to biopsy and allow the bronchoscopist to become more aggressive in the biopsy of more difficulty positioned lesions. In addition, delineation of normal extraluminal vessels and other vital anatomical structures potentially decreases biopsy complications. Although further research is needed to prove the value of CT bronchoscopy, preliminary work performed to date by the author and others indicates great promise.