Focal and Diffuse Tracheal Abnormalities on Computed Tomography

Due to the nonspecific clinical presentation and limited evaluation by radiographs, diagnosis of tracheal abnormalities is often delayed. However, computed tomography, volumetric acquisitions, and multiplanar 3-dimensional formats have helped to improve assessment of tracheal abnormalities and their related parenchymal changes. The primary aim of this pictorial essay is to display the range of focal and diffuse tracheal abnormalities detectable via computed tomography and its diagnostic accuracy in comparison with histopathologic findings.