Imaging in the Aerodigestive Patient

Radiology plays a crucial role in evaluation of the aerodigestive patient at both initial evaluation, acute illnesses, and long-term follow-up. Evaluation centered on the aerodigestive system is the focus of this chapter. Video swallow studies are central to evaluation but are covered in another chapter. The two most used studies are the chest x-ray and chest computed tomography (CT) which provide an evaluation of the lungs and airway. These modalities and a discussion of CT findings of aspiration and tracheobronchomalacia will be discussed in this chapter.