title: Evaluation of the efficacy of 2- versus 3-dimensional computed tomography.
abstract: Simulated 3-dimensional (3-D) representation of computerized data is a valuable diagnostic tool in evaluation of tumors of the central nervous system. Several reports exist regarding the clinical value of 3-D imaging, but there is little objective evidence to quantify improved performance from the images. The purpose of this study was to quantify the efficacy of simulated 3-D versus 2-D image interpretation in a nonclinical model. A 3-tiered, 3-D model was constructed, and objects were placed in varied positions. CT was then performed on each of the models. Fifty-three subjects were shown the CT images and asked to reconstruct the model as depicted by either 2-D or simulated 3-D images. Performance between subject groups was different depending on clinical experience. In addition, it was found that the 3-D representation of data allowed for a significantly faster performance of the task of image interpretation and reconstruction of the model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York at Brooklyn, USA.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Franco
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Fedok
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Mamourian
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*