[3D computed tomographic analysis of frontal recess region].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to observe the three-dimensional (3D) CT imaging features of the frontal recess region with 3D reconstruction, and obtain the real image of the important anatomical structures of the region to conduct surgery. METHOD: Five patients were undergone spiral CT by 16 line high speed spiral CT, and multiplanar reconstruction images using standard 3D reconstruction protocol on a computer workstation. The structure of the frontal recess, the agger nasi cell and adhere style of the uncinate process were observed. The parameter of the important anatomic structure of frontal recess was measured precisely. RESULT: After the reconstruction, we get the 3D model very close to the true state of the nasal cavity--sinuses cell, in which parts of the frontal recess can clearly identify the agger nasi cell, frontal cell and other important structures. In this patient, the height, width and depth of the agger nasi and frontal sinus were 12.3 mm, 12.1 mm, 38.5 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study tried to develop the standardized techniques and measurements from 3D reconstructed images of the frontal sinus and to ascertain the usefulness of the frontal sinus in identification of patients. The results in better preoperative patient counselling and in predicting postoperative improvement in clinical status.