The advent of multidetector CT has revolutionized imaging of the airways and other thoracic structures [1-5]. In comparison to single-detector helical CT scanners, multidetector scanners not only provide faster speed, greater coverage, and improved spatial resolution, but also have the unique ability to create images of thick and thin collimation from the same data set [1-5].
One of the greatest benefits of this new technology is the improved quality of two-dimensional (2D) multiplanar and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction images [3-7]. These images break away from the confines of the traditional axial imaging plane and
have the potential to facilitate the assessment of a variety of airway disorders.
The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with the basic principles of multi-planar and 3D images and to describe the evolving role of these methods in the assessment of central airway disorders.