Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Characteristics and CT features of subcarinal air collections/main bronchial diverticula

  • Chest
  • Published:
European Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and CT features of subcarinal air collections on thin-section multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). Two hundred asymptomatic adult subjects without a history of pulmonary disease underwent MDCT. The CT appearances and characteristics of foci of extraluminal air contiguous to the main bronchus in the subcarinal region were retrospectively analysed. Subcarinal air collections were found in 81 of 200 subjects (41%) and were spotty or microtubular in 67 of 81 subjects and rounded or oval in the other 14. Each subcarinal air focus communicated, or seemed to communicate, with the adjacent bronchus in 76 of 81 cases. Our data demonstrate that extraluminal air foci in the subcarinal region are common CT findings and routinely depicted on thin-section MDCT, and that most of these lesions seem to be main bronchial diverticula. Cystic air foci in the subcarinal region should be called subcarinal air cysts. The precise recognition of these cysts improves the ability to avoid misidentification, such as pneumomediastinum.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Sanford MF, Broderick LS (2007) Multidetector computed tomography detection of bronchial diverticula. J Thorac Imaging 22(3):265–267

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Polverosi R, Carloni A, Poletti V (2008) Tracheal and main bronchial diverticula: the role of CT. Radiol Med. 113(2):181–189

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Goo JM, Im JG, Ahn JM et al (1999) Right paratracheal air cysts in the thoracic inlet: clinical and radiologic significance. Am J Roentgenol 173:65–70

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Buterbaugh JE, Erly EK (2008) Paratracheal air cysts: a common finding on routine CT examinations of the cervical spine and neck that may mimic pneumomediastinum in patients with traumatic injuries. Am J Neuroradiol 29(6):1218–1221

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Mineshita M, Tajima O, Kondo T (2006) Paratracheal air cysts in middle-aged Japanese men. J Bronch 13(1):6–8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Tanaka H, Mori Y, Kurokawa K et al (1997) Paratracheal air cysts communicating with the trachea: CT findings. J Thorac Imaging 12:38–40

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Niigata City General Hospital, 463–7 Chuo-ku, Shumoku, Niigata City, Niigata-ken, 950−1197, Japan

    Takeshi Higuchi, Naoya Takahashi, Motoi Shiotani & Haruo Maeda

  2. Department of Radiology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, 1–754 Chuo-ku, Asahimachi-dori, Niigata City, Niigata-ken, 951–8510, Japan

    Norihiko Yoshimura

Authors
  1. Takeshi Higuchi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Naoya Takahashi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Motoi Shiotani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Haruo Maeda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Norihiko Yoshimura
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Takeshi Higuchi.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Higuchi, T., Takahashi, N., Shiotani, M. et al. Characteristics and CT features of subcarinal air collections/main bronchial diverticula. Eur Radiol 20, 95–99 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-009-1526-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-009-1526-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation