The validation of 3D spiral CT-based measurements of simulated maxillofacial neoplasms.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the precision and accuracy of 3-dimensional spiral computed tomography-based linear measurements of neoplasms associated with the mandible.


METHODS
Four cadaver heads, each with 2 simulated tumors made of clay, containing contrast medium, and positioned medial to the mandible, were examined by means of a subsecond spiral computed tomography unit. The computed tomography data were transferred to a computer workstation and analyzed through use of 3-dimensional reconstructed images. Linear measurements of the length, width, and depth of the simulated tumors were made by 2 observers, twice each. The soft tissues were then removed and the same measurements made by means of calipers.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences between the 3-dimensional computed tomography and physical measurements (P >.05). The mean difference was found to be less than 0.4 mm.


CONCLUSIONS
Spiral computed tomography imaging allows for precise and accurate 3-dimensional computed tomography-based measurements for neoplastic lesions in the mandible.
Cavalcanti
M G
MG
Department of Radiology, Faculty of Odontology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Ruprecht
A
A
Bonomie
J M
JM
Vannier
M W
MW
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016251:CD-ROM; D002102:Cadaver; D003116:Color; D003196:Computer Graphics; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data