Subglottic stenosis: correlation between computed tomography and bronchoscopy.

The evaluation of subglottic stenosis has been limited by the lack of standardized methods for determining the cross-sectional area and length of the stenotic segment. A rabbit model was used to prospectively evaluate the correlation between computed tomography (CT) and bronchoscopy in the evaluation of this disease. Subglottic stenosis was produced in 39 New Zealand White rabbits by a transoral endoscopic technique. The animals were evaluated 3 weeks later with spiral CT, rigid bronchoscopy, and open laryngotracheal exploration. Spiral CT was performed with the location, degree, and length of subglottic stenosis being determined by a blinded observer. Each animal then underwent rigid bronchoscopy and open laryngotracheal exploration for determination of the same measurements. Data were analyzed to determine the correlation between the radiographic and surgical techniques in evaluating the airway stenosis. With regard to the degree of stenosis, 94% of the rabbits were determined to have CT and bronchoscopic measurements that were within 15% (Pearson correlation .94, p < .05). With regard to the length of stenosis, 94% of animals had a measurement on CT that was within 2 mm of that observed upon open exploration (Pearson correlation .81, p < .05). The CT evaluation of subglottic stenosis correlated well with the currently used method of visual inspection at bronchoscopy in evaluating tracheal stenosis in this animal model. These data suggest that CT could serve as a useful adjunct in the evaluation of tracheal stenosis, especially when serial examinations are required.