The role of CT virtual endoscopy for evaluation of the airway

Purpose Evaluation of airway stenosis secondary to head and neck lesions has been performed routinely with CT scan and endoscopy (1). Endoscopy of a stenotic airway can be difficult, and can be associated with compromise of the airway (2). CT virtual endoscopy (CTVE) provides a noninvasive means of evaluating the airways while simultaneously studying the head and neck soft tissues including vasculature(1–3). We will assess the utility of CTVE in individuals with airway compromise.