CT appearance of lunate trachea

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1989 May-Jun;13(3):520-2. doi: 10.1097/00004728-198905000-00033.

Abstract

Computed tomography provides excellent visualization of the trachea, but there have been only limited descriptions of variations in tracheal shape. The normal tracheal cartilage is U shaped. Lunate shaped trachea is uncommon and is characterized by a coronal/sagittal diameter ratio (tracheal index) greater than 1. We present the CT appearance of a lunate shaped trachea with corresponding pathologic sections. Destruction of the membranous septum caused marked increase in the tracheal index in this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Tracheal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tracheal Diseases / pathology