Measurement and analysis of the tracheobronchial tree in Chinese population using computed tomography.

Weidong Mi,Fang Guo,Changsheng Zhang,Changtian Li,Hong Wang,Jiangbei Cao,Xianwang Wang,Tie Yang,Li Yang,Huafeng Wei

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0123177

Weidong Mi, Fang Guo + Show 8 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0123177

Copy DOI

Abstract

ObjectiveTo ascertain accurate measurements of, and the relationships between, the normative parameters of the tracheobronchial trees in the Chinese population using multi-slice spiral computed tomography (CT) and multi-planar reconstruction (MPR).Materials and MethodsMeasurements were performed on 2107 patients who underwent thoracic CT scans in the PLA General Hospital. The lengths of the trachea and the main stem bronchi, and the sizes of the subcarinal angle were obtained through CT or MPR imaging. Multi-variance analyses were performed to detect potential correlations between obtained parameters.ResultsThe mean length of the trachea was 104.9 ± 13.4 mm (107.8 ± 13.2 mm for men and 101.4 ± 12.8 mm for women). The mean lengths of the right and left main stem bronchi were 13.6 ± 4.3 and 48.3 ± 6.5 mm, respectively. The right bronchus angle and the left bronchus angle were 34.9 and 42.5 degrees, respectively. Significant gender differences were found in all the parameters measured except for the angle of the right upper lobe bronchus. There are no statistically significant correlations among these parameters.ConclusionsThe normal reference values and the likely ranges of distribution of the tracheobronchial trees in the Chinese population have been established. Significant gender differences exist in the dimensions of the trachea, with the exception of the Right upper bronchial angle (RUA).

Highlights

The normal reference value and range of anthropometric variables differ among various races, and sometimes even among different ethnic groups within the same race[1]
Significant gender differences exist in the dimensions of the trachea, with the exception of the Right upper bronchial angle (RUA)
The results above indicate: (1) the male subjects have larger diameters and length of the tracheobronchial tree, while the the female subjects have larger main stem bronchial angles and subcarinal angles; (2) there is a strong positive correlation between the average tracheal length and body height, and there is a positive trend between age and AP-mcTD; (3) the large individual variations in the parameters relating to the tracheal dimension precluded a simple math equation capable of predicting Tracheal length (TL), AP-mcTD, proximal end (Pe-)RBD and Pe-LBD. (4) TL, RBL, LBL, TD, RA and LA have clinical applications and are further discussed below

Summary

Materials and Methods

Measurements were performed on 2107 patients who underwent thoracic CT scans in the PLA General Hospital. The lengths of the trachea and the main stem bronchi, and the sizes of the subcarinal angle were obtained through CT or MPR imaging. Multi-variance analyses were performed to detect potential correlations between obtained parameters

Results

Conclusions

Introduction

Discussion