Multidetector CT Evaluation of Tracheobronchomalacia

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) refers to excessive expiratory collapse of the trachea and bronchi as a result of weakening of the airway walls and/or supporting cartilage. This disorder has recently been increasingly recognized as an important cause of chronic respiratory symptoms. Multidetector CT (MDCT) technology allows for noninvasive imaging of TBM with similar accuracy to the historical reference standard of bronchoscopy. Paired end-inspiratory, dynamic expiratory MDCT is the examination of choice for assessing patients with suspected TBM. Radiologists should become familiar with imaging protocols and interpretation techniques to accurately diagnose this condition using MDCT.