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.