COMPUTER-ASSISTED 3-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF HEAD AND NECK TUMORS

Citation
Vm. Moharir et al., COMPUTER-ASSISTED 3-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF HEAD AND NECK TUMORS, The Laryngoscope, 108(11), 1998, pp. 1592-1598
Citations number
36
Categorie Soggetti
Otorhinolaryngology,"Medicine, Research & Experimental
Journal title
ISSN journal
0023852X
Volume
108
Issue
11
Year of publication
1998
Part
1
Pages
1592 - 1598
Database
ISI
SICI code
0023-852X(1998)108:11<1592:C3ROHA>2.0.ZU;2-1
Abstract
Objective: Because head and neck tumors reside in a complex area, havi ng a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the patient's unique anatomical features may assist in the delineation of pathology. The authors descr ibe a new computer technique of 3-D anatomical reconstruction from two -dimensional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) data and discuss how it represents a step forward in the continuing evolut ion of 3-D imaging. Study Design: The authors selected three patients with solitary head and neck tumors and reconstructed their anatomy in a 3-D format for study. The tumors represented locations in the nose a nd central skull base (patient 1), temporal bone (patient 2), and neck (patient 3). Materials and Methods: MR and CT images from the individ ual patients were electronically transferred to workstations in the Su rgical Planning Laboratory of the authors' institution. Registration ( or fusion) was carried out between the MR and CT images. The desired a natomic components underwent segmentation (identification and isolatio n). Assembly of the segmented images was performed and the resulting s tructures were integrated to produce a 3-D model. Results: 3-D models of the following were constructed and displayed in an interactive form at on high-capacity computer workstations: 1) a skull base sarcoma wit h extension into the nasopharynx and nose; 2) an acoustic neuroma with internal auditory canal involvement; and 3) a metastatic recurrence o f a tongue base squamous cell carcinoma in the posterior triangle of t he right side of the neck with extension to the skull base. Conclusion : The authors' Surgical Planning Laboratory has developed a 3-D recons truction technique that has several new features. The models provided a very good 3-D interactive representation of the tumors and patient a natomy. The need now exists to develop this method of 3-D reconstructi on of head and neck tumors for potential applications in treatment, re search, and medical education.