[Deforming endonasal mass during pregnancy]. / Deformierende endonasale Raumforderung während der Schwangerschaft.

This article presents the case of a 33-year-old woman who consulted the authors' ENT clinic in the 39th week of pregnancy with recurrent epistaxis. A livid endonasal mass was found on the left side, subtotally displacing the nose and leading to deformation of the external nose. External biopsy provided no indications of malignancy. Postpartum CT of the paranasal sinuses revealed a mass destroying the cartilaginous nasal septum. Endoscopic resection of the finding was performed with preservation of the clinically sound nasal septal cartilage. Histopathological examination revealed a capillary hemangioma, which was classified as granuloma gravidarum due to its occurrence during pregnancy.

Anatomy of the nasal latero-lateral cartilage articulation: a micro-MRI study in human specimens.

PURPOSE: To study the anatomy of the latero-lateral joint (LLJ) between the upper lateral (ULC) and lower lateral (LLC) crus of the nasal cartilages, usually described as a scroll articulation. METHODOLOGY: Six nasal pyramids were taken in monobloc from fresh cadavers and imaged on micro-MRI with 0.4 mm slice thickness. Images were jointly interpreted by two head and neck radiologists and one surgeon. The junction between the ULC and LLC, the presence of ligaments and of sesamoid or accessory cartilages were assessed. RESULTS: Eight LLJs could be analyzed, with four types of junctions: hook-shaped cephalic border of the LLC turned towards the nasal fossa and linear caudal border of the ULC (n = 3), hook-shaped caudal border of the ULC and linear cephalic border of the LLC lateral crus (n = 1), hook-shaped border of both cartilaginous edges with clinging (n = 1) (scroll articulation) or without clinging (n = 3). No ligament or sesamoid cartilage was found, but posterior accessory cartilages were seen in 75% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The classical scroll articulation of the LLJ has been observed in only 1/8 cases on micro-MRI images. The anatomy of the LLJ could explain the surgical difficulty in raising the tip of the nose in some patients and not in others.

The Caucasian Hump: Radiologic Study of the Osteocartilaginous Vault versus Surface Anatomy. Clinical Implications in Structured and Preservation Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The relation between the osteocartilaginous nasal vault and nasal hump characteristics has not been fully investigated. METHODS: Measurements were collected from computed tomographic nasal scans in the midsagittal plane in adult Caucasian patients seeking rhinoplasty because of nasal hump from January of 2015 to December of 2018. Measurements were compared to those of sex- and age-matched patients not seeking rhinoplasty (control group). Patients with other significant nasal deformities were excluded. The correlations between nasal hump length, height, and osteocartilaginous nasal vault measurements were assessed. Distances from the beginning of the nasal hump to the kyphion and ethmoidal points were measured as well. The location of the nasal hump apex in relation to the keystone area structures was detailed. RESULTS: The study included 134 Caucasian patients, with 67 presenting nasal hump. The mean patient age was 32.9 years and 69.6 percent were female patients. Nasal hump measured a mean 17 ± 2.7 mm in length and 1.8 mm (range, 1.1 to 3.8 mm) in height. Nasal hump length correlated with nose length and nasal bone length. Nasal hump height correlated with nose length and the angle over the kyphion. In 97 percent of patients, the nasal hump began caudal to the ethmoidal point, and in all patients, the kyphion was underneath the nasal hump. The nasal hump is not a symmetric structure and, in all patients, its apex was situated above the septal cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: The nasal hump characteristics are mainly attributable to the septal cartilage, and this should be the cornerstone of any dorsal hump reduction strategy. The caudal aspect of the nasal bones contributes to the nasal hump, whereas the posterior ethmoidal plate rarely does.

Finite Element Analysis of the Septal Cartilage L-Strut.

Importance: Septoplasty is one of the most commonly performed operations in the head and neck. However, the reasons for septoplasty failure and the additional stress of performing a chondrotomy on the septal cartilage are not well understood. Design, Setting, and Participants: A finite element model of the nasal septum was created using a microcomputed tomography scan of the nasoseptal complex that was reconstructed into a three-dimensional model in silico. Testing included four common chondrotomy designs: traditional L-strut, double-cornered chondrotomy (DCC), curved L-strut, and the C-curve. Tip displacement was applied in a vector parallel to the caudal strut to simulate nasal tip palpation. Main Outcomes and Measures: With finite element analysis, the maximum principal stress (MPS), von Mises stress (VMS), harvested cartilage volume, and surface area were recorded. Results: The highest MPS for the L-strut, DCC, curved L-strut, and C-curve was identified at the corner of the chondrotomy. The MPS at the corner of the chondrotomy was reduced 44% when comparing the C-curve with the traditional L-strut. The VMS patterns showed compressive stress along the caudal septum in all models, but at the corner, the stresses were highest in the chondrotomies designed with sharp-angled corners. The VMS showed a 76% decrease when comparing the C-curve with the traditional L-strut. The stress across the anterior septal angle is also higher in models with sharp-angled corners. Cartilage harvest volumetric and surface area assessments did not show meaningful differences between shapes. Conclusions and Relevance: The highest area of stress is near the transition of the dorsal to caudal septum in all models. Stresses are relatively higher in chondrotomy shapes that contain sharp-angled corners. The relative reduction in MPS and VMS utilizing a C-curve instead of an L-strut may decrease the likelihood that the septum will deform or fail in this region. The volume and surface area of the C-curve are similar to that of the L-strut technique. Avoiding sharp-angled corners reduces the stresses at the corner of the chondrotomy and across the anterior septal angle. Using a C-curve may be an improved septoplasty design.

Using Ultrasound to Evaluate Nasal Septal Cartilage.

Importance: Having a noninvasive tool that quantifies the amount of remaining septal cartilage in the setting of prior septoplasty would be useful for surgical planning and patient counseling. Objective: The objective of this pilot study is to determine if endocavitary ultrasound can be used to evaluate the presence and thickness of septal cartilage in vivo. Design, Setting, and Participants: A small prospective observational study was designed to assess the feasibility of using intranasal ultrasound to verify the presence and measure the thickness of septal cartilage. Imaging was undertaken by the principle investigator using a protocol developed by the research team. Six healthy volunteers were enrolled including three subjects who have had prior septoplasty. Images and measurements of the nasal septum were obtained. Main Outcomes: Confirming the presence of the nasal septum was the main outcome with a secondary outcome of measurement of septum thickness. Results: The endonasal ultrasound probe was able to identify the septum and resected areas. The mean thickness of the septum in subjects without surgery was 1.0 mm and those with prior septoplasty was 0.8 mm. Student's t-test show a statistically significant difference in septum thickness between these two groups with a p-value of 0.0093. Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrates a novel method of determining the presence of septal cartilage after septoplasty surgery. This information may be useful for operative planning in revision rhinoplasty.

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the diagnosis, assessment of disease activity and therapeutic response in relapsing polychondritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT in the assessment of disease activity, extent of the disease and response to therapy in relapsing polychondritis. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (9 men, 16 women) with a mean age of 38.2 years (s.d. 13.7; range 18-62), diagnosed to have relapsing polychondritis according to Damiani and Levine's modification of McAdam's criteria, who underwent PET/CT examination were included. Ten patients underwent a second PET/CT examination after therapy or during follow-up. Clinical symptoms and auxiliary examination findings were recorded. PET/CT findings were reviewed and correlated with the clinical symptoms. RESULTS: The major symptoms were aural pain (n = 21), nasal pain (n = 10), stridor (n = 5), cough (n = 9), fever (n = 8) and laryngeal tenderness (n = 8). The initial PET/CT was positive in 23/25 patients. PET/CT revealed involvement of auricular (n = 14), nasal (n = 8), laryngeal (n = 7), tracheobronchial (n = 6) and Eustachian (n = 3) cartilages with a mean maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of 4.1 (s.d. 2.5; range 1.7-12.7). Fair correlation of aural/nasal pain/stridor with FDG avidity of cartilage involvement on PET/CT was noted. The key finding was detection of asymptomatic large airway involvement in seven patients (28%). Re-examination PET in 10 patients revealed complete therapeutic response (n = 5), partial response (n = 1), stable disease (n = 1), progressive disease (n = 1) and disease recurrence (n = 2). CONCLUSION: FDG PET/CT is a useful tool for the assessment of the disease activity and extent. It identified activity in clinically inaccessible sites that are of clinical significance. It is also useful in assessing treatment response and finding relapse.

Tomografía computarizada 3D con técnica de A-GI-VA (Ali-Giacomotti-Vassaro). Nuevo instrumento de diagnóstico de la estructura nasal A-GI-VA (Alí-Giacomotti-Vassaro) / A novel 3D computed tomography scan technique for diagnosis of the nasal structure

Introducción y objetivo: La rinoplastia estética es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos más desafiantes, en donde converge una estructura tridimensional compuesta de tejido óseo, cartilaginoso y tegumentario, que debe ser interpretada y modificada como un todo para la obtención de un resultado óptimo. La técnica A-GI-VA nos abre una ventana nueva para evaluar la anatomía nasal, principalmente los cartílagos nasales, sus relaciones entre sí y su disposición anatómica exacta, indispensable para el buen tratamiento de los mismos. Material y método: Realizamos tomografías axiales computarizadas con reconstrucción tridimensional mediante tomógrafo helicoidal de múltiples cortes para analizar la estructura de los cartílagos nasales y su relación con la piel. Resultados: Identificamos con precisión los componentes osteocartilaginosos de la nariz como ayuda en la planificación de la cirugía nasal. Conclusiones: Mediante la utilización de la técnica A-GI-VA podemos determinar con precisión la estructura nasal para su posterior clasificación y/o tratamiento

Background and objective: Aesthetic rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging surgical procedures, where a bony and a cartilaginous framework covered by skin meet into a tridimensional structure that must be interpreted and modified as one to obtain a successful result. Methods: A regular 3D CT scan of the maxillofacial area with shaded surface display (SSD) technique is used to get a precise evaluation of the nasal cartilages and their relationship with the skin. Results: We obtained a greater detail of the nasal structure, both of its components: bone cartilage in order to improve nasal surgery planning. Conclusions: The A-GI-VA technique allows us to depict the nasal anatomy and determine a better surgery planning

Comparison of Micro-Computed Tomography and Clinical Computed Tomography Protocols for Visualization of Nasal Cartilage Before Surgical Planning for Rhinoplasty.

IMPORTANCE: There is no imaging standard to model nasal cartilage for the planning of rhinoplasty procedures. Preoperative visualization of cartilage may improve objective evaluation of nasal deformities, surgical planning, and surgical reconstruction. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of visualizing nasal cartilage using high resolution micro-computed tomography (CT) compared with the criterion standard of pathologic findings in a cadaveric specimen and to evaluate its accuracy compared with various clinical CT protocols. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Anatomic study at the University of Washington using single human cadaveric nasal specimens performed from July 10, 2017, to March 30, 2018. INTERVENTIONS: A micro-CT acquisition with 60-micron resolution was obtained of a nasal specimen. The specimen was then scanned with 5 different clinical CT protocols to span both clinical care and machine limits. The specimen was then sectioned in 5-mm axial slices for pathologic analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Micro-CT images were registered to pathologic specimen cross-sections using a graphite fiducial system. Cartilage substructures were manually segmented and analyzed. A library of matched images across the micro-CT and various clinical CT protocols was then developed. Region of interest analysis was performed for each of the cartilage structures and their boundaries on clinical CT protocols and micro-CT, with the outcome of mean (SD) density using Hounsfield units. RESULTS: A single human cadaveric nasal specimen was used to obtain the following results. Lower lateral cartilage, upper lateral cartilage, and septal cartilage were accurately delineated on the micro-CT images compared with pathologic findings. The mean absolute deviation from pathologic findings was 0.30 mm for septal cartilage thickness, 0.98 mm for maximal upper lateral cartilage length, and 1.40 mm for maximal lower lateral cartilage length. On clinical CT protocols, only septal cartilage was well discriminated from boundary. Higher radiation dose resulted in more accurate density measurements of cartilage, but it did not ultimately improve ability to discriminate cartilage. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results of this anatomic study may represent a notable step toward advancing knowledge of the capabilities and pitfalls of nasal cartilage visualization on CT. Nasal cartilage visualization was feasible on the micro-CT compared with pathologic findings. Future research may further examine the barriers to accurately visualizing upper lateral cartilage and lower lateral cartilage, a prerequisite for clinical application. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Component Restoration in the Unilateral Intermediate Cleft Tip Rhinoplasty: Technique and Long-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The intermediate cleft tip rhinoplasty is performed in childhood to address residual tip asymmetries during the most critical period of psychosocial development. The authors describe and evaluate long-term outcomes of that approach for the unilateral cleft lip and palate patient based on the concept of individual restoration of each abnormal anatomical component. METHODS: Photomorphometric analyses of unilateral cleft lip and palate patients (n = 50) who underwent intermediate cleft tip rhinoplasty using the component restoration technique were evaluated preoperatively (time 0) and postoperatively at less than 1 year (time 1), 1 to 3 years (time 2), and more than 3 years (time 3) and compared to age-matched unilateral cleft lip and palate control patients. Nasal relationships (alar symmetry, nasal tip protrusion-to-alar base width ratio, and height-to-width dimensions for the cleft and noncleft nostrils) were compared over time using a linear mixed-effect model. RESULTS: At time 0, both groups demonstrated similar nasal relationships, with the exception of a wider cleft-side nostril in relationship to height in the rhinoplasty group. The component restoration technique improved all four nasal relationships at all postoperative time points compared with time 0 in a statistically significant manner, whereas control patients did not demonstrate significant changes at the corresponding ages. Long-term differences at time 3 revealed a trend toward improved alar symmetry and cleft-side and non-cleft-side nostril dimensions, and a significant improvement in the nasal tip protrusion-to-alar base width ratio in intermediate cleft tip rhinoplasty-treated versus control patients (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The component restoration technique for the unilateral intermediate cleft tip rhinoplasty improves nasal relationships toward normal immediately and in a sustained manner for at least 3 years. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Stabilization of T2 relaxation and magnetization transfer in cartilage explants by immersion in perfluorocarbon liquid.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging of ex vivo cartilage measures parameters such as T2 and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), which reflect structural changes associated with osteoarthritis. Samples are often immersed in aqueous solutions to prevent dehydration and to to improve susceptibility matching. This study sought to determine the extent to which T2 and MTR changes are attributable to immersion alone and to identify immersion conditions to minimize this confounding factor. METHODS: T2 and MTR were measured before and after immersion for up to 24 hours at 4°C. Bovine nasal and articular cartilage and human articular cartilage were studied. Experimental groups included undisturbed immersion in Fluorinert FC-770, a susceptibility-matched, hydrophobic liquid with minimal tissue penetration, and immersion in Fluorinert, Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS), or saline, with removal from the magnet between scans. 19 F and 1 H-MRI were used to detect cartilage penetration by Fluorinert and swelling, respectively. RESULTS: Saline and DPBS immersion rapidly increased T2 , wet weight and cartilage volume and decreased MTR, suggesting increased water content for all cartilage types. Fluorinert-immersed samples exhibited minimal changes in T2 or MTR. No ingress of Fluorinert was detected after 2 weeks of continuous immersion at 4°C. CONCLUSION: Ex vivo quantitative MR studies of cartilage may be confounded by the effects of immersion in aqueous solution, which may be comparable to or larger than effects attributed to pathology. These effects may be mitigated by immersion in perfluorocarbon liquids such as Fluorinert FC-770.

Combined Nasal Osteotomies With Caudal Transverse Osteotomy and Their Effect on Dorsal Geometry.

Background: Congenital, traumatic, or developmental bony vault deformities may require additional interventions rather than classical osteotomies to correct the surface structure or angulations of the nasal bones in rhinoplasty. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of the additional osteotomies applied for the correction of the nasal vault asymmetries retrospectively. Methods: Twenty-one patients among 512 primary rhinoplasty cases between 2011 and 2016 with bony vault asymmetries were included in the study. Three patients had bilateral convex, 6 patients had unilateral convex, and 7 patients had unilateral concave surface deformities. Five patients had concave deformity on one side and convex deformity on the other side. Double-layer lateral osteotomies and caudal transverse osteotomies were conducted for the correction of the severe surface anatomy deformities of the nasal bones. The caudal transverse osteotomy was delicately performed with a special osteotome, which was designed to protect inner periosteum and mucosa of the nasal bone, and to prevent uncontrolled fracture formation with thinned edge. Results: Twenty patients (95.2%) had favorable results with restoration of a symmetric bony and cartilaginous nasal vault configuration. None of the bone fragments showed any rotation or malposition. One (4.8%) patient with a crooked nose had suboptimal dorsal geometry without requiring revisional surgery at the level of the cartilaginous nasal vault. Conclusions: The author described the morphology, clinical relevance, and correction methods of the nasal vault and the changes that occur in this area during rhinoplasty in patients with concave, convex, or combined three-dimensional nasal bone deformities. Level of Evidence: 4.

Cribriform Plate, Crista Galli, Olfactory Fossa and Septal Deviation.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we investigated the relationship between olfactory fossa, cribriform plate, crista galli and nasal Septal Deviation (SD). Keros classification of olfactory fossa was also performed. METHODS: This study was performed retrospectively. Computerized Tomography (CT) images of 200 adult subjects were observed. Unilateral nasal Septal Deviation (SD) cases were included into the study. On coronal CT scans, SD side and location, SD angle, cribriform plate width, olfactory fossa depth (Keros classification) and width, area of the olfactory fossa, crista galli length, width and pneumatization were evaluated. RESULTS: Anterior and anteroposterior deviations were detected mainly. In females, 64.0% and in males, 45.3% of the SDs were located anteriorly. In males, anteroposterior SDs (40.0%) were detected more than females. In anteroposterior SDs, SD angle was higher than anterior SDs. With higher SD angle, crista galli width and height decreased. Cribriform plate width, olfactory fossa height, width and area values of contralateral side were significantly higher than those of the ipsilateral side. For Keros classification, in male group, type 1 (53.3%) and in females, type 2 (57.6%) was detected at ipsilateral side. For contralateral side, type 2 Keros was detected in both genders. Complete crista galli pneumatization was observed in 4.0% and partial pneumatization was detected in 12.0%. In 84% of the patients, there is no Crista galli pneumatization. With the presence of pneumatized crista galli, contralateral Keros values decreased. Crista galli height and contralateral olfactory fossa width showed positive correlation. In older patients, cribriform plate width decreased. CONCLUSION: In our study, there was no Keros type 3 olfactory fossa. In males' contralateral side of SD; and in females both ipsilateral and contralateral side of SD, Keros type 2 olfactory fossa were detected. Therefore, during sinus surgery, surgeons should work carefully not to made intracranial penetration.

Integration of the nasal complex: Implications for developmental and evolutionary change in modern humans.

OBJECTIVES: Assessing the strength of integration among different regions of the modern human nasal complex is important for developing a more thorough understanding of the determinants of nasal morphology. Given the morphogenetic influence of cartilage on adjacent intramembranous growth sites, the interaction between chondrocranial- versus intramembranous-derived nasal structures may have a significant influence on patterns of nasal variation. The purpose of this study is to examine integration between the chondrocranial- and intramembranous-derived regions of the nasal complex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using computed tomograph (CT) scans, we collected three-dimensional coordinate landmark data from a static adult sample (n = 62). First, using centroid size, and the symmetric and asymmetric components of shape variation, we examined the strength of integration between landmarks representing chondrocranial-derived structures (e.g., ethmoid, external nasal cartilages) and landmarks representing intramembranous-derived structures (nasal floor, anterior nasal aperture, etc.). Second, given that the strength of integration is a relative measure, we compared integration between chondrocranial- and intramembranous-derived structures to the more modularized external and internal regions of the nasal complex. RESULTS: There was significant moderate morphological integration between chondrocranial- versus intramembranous-derived regions of the nasal complex. Moreover, integration between chondrocranial- versus intramembranous-derived structures was consistently stronger when compared to external versus internal regions for both the symmetric and asymmetric components of variation. Thus, more covariation within the nasal complex could be explained by the relationship between chondrocranial- and intramembranous-derived structures. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the interaction between chondrocranial- and intramembranous-derived structures may be an important determinant in the patterning of nasal complex variation.

The Caucasian Nasal Septum: An In Vivo Computed Tomography Study.

BACKGROUND: The nasal septum is composed of cartilaginous and bony components and an understanding of each component volume is essential in both functional and cosmetic surgery. OBJECTIVES: We sought to radiographically measure septal dimensions on cross sectional computer tomography (CT) images, establishing average parameters for normal anatomy among a single, Caucasian population group. METHODS: One hundred and fifty consecutive sinus CT scan images were examined and 100 cases with appropriate sagittal views were included in the study. On each septum, the sagittal CT images were assessed and 14 points were identified and 23 lengths measured and tabulated. Trigonometric formulae were used to accurately calculate surface areas of 11 resulting triangles which constituted the components of the nasal septum. RESULTS: Measurements from 100 patients were included, with a mean age of 50.2 years, constituting 47 males and 53 females. Our surface area mapping established the following areas for both males and females respectively (mm2): quadrangular cartilage 1148 and 981; vomer 894 and 741; perpendicular plate of ethmoid bone 1244 and 1006; and total surface area 3287 and 2728. Our only statistically significant comparison in the series was found in the female series when age and reducing quadrilateral cartilage size were compared, highlighting reducing size with age (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The study presents the largest published data series representing nasal septal measurements on CT images in a living Caucasian population. Our data demonstrates that septal size remains constant after adolescence, throughout our age-varied series (18-79 years), except in the female population where the quadrilateral cartilage reduces in size with age.

Bony/Cartilaginous Mismatch: A Radiologic Investigation into the Cause of Tension Nose Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Tension nose deformity is believed to be caused by an "oversized" septal quadrangular cartilage. Prior studies have shown that quadrangular cartilage size is relatively consistent in populations. The authors hypothesize that the tension nose deformity is actually caused by an external extrusion of a normal sized septal cartilage from an undersized bony septal encasement. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of sagittal computed tomographic scans was conducted, measuring the perimeter and surface area of the quadrangular cartilage and bony septal aperture in tension nose cases and controls. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of 23 patients enrolled in the study, 12 patients were sorted into the tension nose group, and 11 patients were considered controls. Both groups had similar perimeter and surface area of their quadrangular cartilage, without statistical difference between the two groups. However, the tension nose group had a statistically significant reduction in bony septal aperture perimeter compared with controls (p < 0.01) and a larger externally extruded septum compared with their internal septal size. They also had a substantially higher rate of septal deviation than controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that a mismatch between a small bony septal aperture and a normal sized septal quadrangular cartilage may be responsible for caudal, upper lip, and dorsal fullness seen with the tension nose deformity caused by external extrusion of cartilage. Septal deviation may co-occur as a buckling phenomenon in a limited bony space. Surgical strategies to match the entire quadrangular cartilage size to the bony framework are suggested. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

MRI and Additive Manufacturing of Nasal Alar Constructs for Patient-specific Reconstruction.

Surgical reconstruction of cartilaginous defects remains a major challenge. In the current study, we aimed to identify an imaging strategy for the development of patient-specific constructs that aid in the reconstruction of nasal deformities. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed on a human cadaver head to find the optimal MRI sequence for nasal cartilage. This sequence was subsequently used on a volunteer. Images of both were assessed by three independent researchers to determine measurement error and total segmentation time. Three dimensionally (3D) reconstructed alar cartilage was then additively manufactured. Validity was assessed by comparing manually segmented MR images to the gold standard (micro-CT). Manual segmentation allowed delineation of the nasal cartilages. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was acceptable in the cadaver (coefficient of variation 4.6-12.5%), but less in the volunteer (coefficient of variation 0.6-21.9%). Segmentation times did not differ between observers (cadaver P = 0.36; volunteer P = 0.6). The lateral crus of the alar cartilage was consistently identified by all observers, whereas part of the medial crus was consistently missed. This study suggests that MRI is a feasible imaging modality for the development of 3D alar constructs for patient-specific reconstruction.