Imaging Study by Sagittal Reconstruction of Paranasal Computed Tomography

Kim, Kyung Rae; Koh, Jae Sung; Park, Joon Soo; Park, Chul Won; Ahn, Kyung Sung

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is very difficult to evaluate the anatomy of several tiny structures of paranasal sinus(PNS), especially frontal recess area. Until now, plain X-ray, coronal and axial computed tomogram(CT) and MRI have been used as the radiologic study of PNS. However, there is a lack of full understanding with these 2 dimensional images. Routine coronal and axial CT helps us understand the structure of PNS approximately. But they have limitations in understanding the A-P directional anatomy and difficulties especially in establishing the 3 dimensional concept with frontal recess, which has the various structure as the degree of developing of agger nasi and surrounding structure of frontal recess.
OBJECTIVES
We studied to resolve these difficulties and limitations in understanding the A-P directional anatomy and 3 dimensional concept of complicated structures of PNS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We checked PNS CT in 20 patients who have been suspected to have paranasal problems, and we reconstructed each CT scan into axial and sagittal images from the thin cutted axial PNS CT by using 3 dimensional reconstruction software, SIENET magic view 1,000.
RESULTS
With comparing each reconstructed images this problem, we got clear understanding of the structures of A-P direction of nasal cavity and PNS, especially frontal recess area.
CONCLUSION
Three dimensional reconstructed views provides clear images in complicated anatomy of nose and paranasal sinus, so it is considered to helpful in planning of surgery.