ElectricLungAnatomy

Introduction

Brad H. Thompson, M.D., William J. Lee, B.S., Jeffrey R. Galvin, M.D. and Jeffrey S. Wilson, M.D
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed

Identification of pulmonary segmental anatomy on plain films is tedious, potentially inaccurate and time consuming primarily because segmental bronchi are not readily demonstrated. For most practicing radiologists, the localization of pulmonary abnormalities is generally ascribed to a particular lobe, never being more specific. Unfortunately, this "laziness" has carried over to computed tomography even though with the advent of CT, bronchial anatomy is readily demonstrated making identification of pulmonary segments fairly straightforward.

Since CT is generally performed to further clarify and characterize abnormalities seen on plain film, and plays a major role in pre-operative planning, it would be judicious to localize pathology as specifically as possible. This has never been more true than when CT is performed prior to bronchoscopy where diagnostic yield from lavage and/or biopsy are dependent on correct and specific localization of pulmonary pathology. This text is devised for the practicing radiologist or pulmonologist who would like to become more familiar with CT anatomy of the tracheobronchial tree with the hope that it will help in the identification of individual pulmonary segments.

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