What does bronchial cuffing refer to in a medical context?

Bronchial cuffing is a term used in radiology, particularly when interpreting chest X-rays or CT scans. It refers to the appearance of increased opacity or density surrounding the bronchi, which is typically indicative of inflammation or fluid accumulation in the peribronchial tissues. This can occur due to various conditions such as bronchitis or pulmonary edema, where fluid leaks into the airways' supportive structures, leading to a spect of "cuffing" that outlines the bronchi on imaging studies.

The correct answer captures this association with increased opacity around the bronchioles, while the other options refer to different medical issues. For instance, obstruction in the trachea pertains to a blockage along the main airway, excess fluid in the pleural space describes pleural effusion rather than changes in the bronchi themselves, and blockage of alveoli relates to conditions like atelectasis. Each of these options reflects distinct respiratory or pulmonary problems not specifically tied to bronchial cuffing.