The Role of Three-Dimensional Imaging in Evaluation of the Sinonasal Mass

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of 3D imaging in the sinonasal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with sinonasal mass(squamous cell carcinoma[n=6], spindle cell carcinoma[n=1}, angiomatous polyp[n=1}, giant cell reparative granuloma[n=1}, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma[n=1}, melanoma[n=1}, angiofibroma[n=1}, pyocele[n=1}, inverted papilloma[n=1}) were studied with spiral CT. Reconstruction of surface rendered 3D images and segmentations were performed and compared with the 2D image. RESULTS: The 3D images enabled easy understanding of the characteristics of the mass in 12 casese. The 3D images displayed pathway of tumor extension in 5 cases and werehelpful in assessing the primary site of the mass in 3 cases. In two cases with encasement of ICA by the mass, assesment of relationship between the mass and vessels were possible through the segmentation. CONCLUSION: The 3D image, as an adjunct to the 2D image, can help to evaluate the virtual appearance of bony change, the degree of extension of mass, the spreading route, the evaluation of origin site. It also provides valuable 3-dimensional conception of the mass, especially for the surgeon.