Normative data for trachea and main bronchi dimensions on computed tomography in children and adolescents

Abstract

Aim: To determine the reference values for trachea and main bronchi dimensions in children and adolescents using CT and toevaluate correlations with age and sex.Material and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 150 cases (75 males, 75 females) with the median age of 9 (6-14) years.Cases were divided into three groups according to age of 4-7 years (n=50, preschool), 8-12 years (n=50, school), and 13-17 years(n=50, adolescent). The dimensions of trachea segments (proximal, middle, distal parts), and right and left bronchi were measuredon coronal CT images. Comparisons were made between age groups and sex in terms of these variables.Results: The proximal, middle and distal sections of the trachea had median dimensions of 0.91 (0.79-1.08)cm, 1.08 (0.96-1.22)cm and 1.17 (1.06-1.32)cm, respectively. The order from statistically largest to smallest was distal, middle and proximal levels(p