Starting with the mouth and nose, airways are the part of the respiratory system in which air is transported to the lungs. If any of these airways become compromised, then respiration can become more difficult. Most common among the causes of these types of illnesses is asthma. Also prominent is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is a significant cause of death worldwide. In addition to reviews of diseases affecting the airways, this issue also covers airway anatomy and variants, congenital anomalies of airways, and CT-bronchoscopic correlations.

Written by recognized authorities on thoracic imaging, this volume is the first to examine all modalities--both noninvasive and invasive--for visualizing the airways. Emphasis is placed on correlating CT images with bronchoscopy, to aid in interpreting CT findings and in performing interventional bronchoscopic procedures.

After a review of airway imaging techniques and anatomy, the book presents correlating CT and bronchoscopic images for a wide range of pathologic entities. Detailed chapters examine the trachea and central bronchi, the diagnosis of bronchiectasis, and the use of CT in diagnosing small airway disease. A chapter on functional imaging of the airways is also included.