Comparison of radiography and computed tomography for determining tracheal diameter and length in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To compare radiographic and computed tomography (CT) measurements of tracheal size as would be made for the purpose of tracheal stent size selection. STUDY DESIGN Cross-over. ANIMALS Dogs (n = 15). METHODS Canine cadavers without evidence of tracheal or respiratory disease were used for CT and digital radiography of the neck and thorax. Three observers each made 3 independent measurements at each of 5 tracheal locations, and also measured tracheal length, on each radiograph and for each CT scan on each cadaver. RESULTS CT tracheal measurements were on average 1.03 mm larger (P < .01) compared with radiographic measurements for all 3 observers. CONCLUSIONS Radiographic measurements of the canine trachea consistently underestimate tracheal size, and CT measurements are preferable for selecting tracheal stent size.

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