Tracheal Bronchus; A Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study recognize and classify the Tracheal Bronchus (TB) in our population.Materials and Methods: A total of 1500 patients who underwent thoracic Computed Tomography (CT) examination for different reasons were enrolled in this retrospective study. 12 patients with TB were reported. Of the 12 patients with TB; five were males and seven were females. Prevalence of TB was found to be 0.8%. It was indicated more frequently in women (58.3%) than in men (41.7%). Results: Of the 12 patients with TB seven had displaced type (58.3%), two had supernumerary type (16.7%) and three had pig bronchus (25%). Displaced type was most common among the females. Of the five males two had displaced type, two had pig bronchus and one had supernumerary type. Relation between gender and type was not found to be statistically significant (p=0.516). The mean diameter of the TB was 5.24±1.53 mm. Difference between displaced and pig bronchus types according to diameter is statistically significant (p=0.017). Distance between carina and TB was also measured in the present study. There was no difference between displaced type and pig bronchus type according to distance from carina (p=0.067). Conclusions: Recognizing the TB is critically important during endotracheal intubation. When the TB is occluded by the side of the tube the lobe may collapse. On the other hand when it is mistakenly intubated, over aeration may lead pneumothorax.