Serial section-reconstruction of anomalous tracheobronchial branching patterns from CT scan images: Bridging bronchus associated with sling left pulmonary artery

Abstract

The use of the technique of wax-plate serial section-reconstruction, based on contiguous axial plane CT images of the upper thorax, to prepare a replica of the central air-way (trachea and major bronchi) of an infant with sling left pulmonary artery type 2B, with bridging bronchus, abortive right main bronchus, and tracheal stenosis due to absence of the tracheal pars membranacea with "ring" tracheal cartilages is described. The technique is applicable to demonstration of the anatomic features of other abnormalities of branching pattern or caliber of the trachea and major bronchi.