The application of post-processing of 64-slice spiral CT in the anatomy of the right upper bronchus

Objective: To classify the segmental bronchial patterns of the right upper lobe by combining bronchial tree and CT virtual bronchoscopy (CTVE) post-processing techniques from 64-slice spiral CT. Methods: Two hundred and four patients with routine thorax scans were enrolled. The segmental bronchi were demonstrated in terms of bronchial tree and CTVE. First, we checked how many patients can be classified with any one of the above post-processing approaches. Then, integrating the two methods, we classified the right upper segmental bronchial patterns of the 204 patients. At last, the patterns of the right upper bronchus were analyzed. Results: bronchial tree post-processing images were stereoscopic and intuitive. It could be used to identify common stem of bifurcation easily, however, it was hard to be used to differentiate short common stem of bifurcation from trifurcation. CTVE demonstrated segmental bronchi from inside of lumen, and can readily show the short common stem of bifurcation and trifurcation of bronchi. Combining two post-processing techniques, the segmental bronchial ramification of the right upper' lobe was mainly classified in three types: trifurcation in 76 patients (37.3%), common stem of apical and posterior segmental bronchi in 50 patients (24.5%) and others in 78 patients (38.2%). Confusion: The combination of multiple post-processing of 64-slice CT posses great superiority to classify the pattern of the right upper lobe bronchi. (authors)