Estimation of breast prosthesis volume by the Cavalieri principle using magnetic resonance images.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to search the accuracy and reproducibility of the Cavalieri method for the estimation of the breast prosthesis volume on magnetic resonance images (MRI).


METHODS
Nine breast prostheses were scanned in axial and coronal section planes by MRI. The consecutive sections in 5-mm thickness were taken, after which the volumes of the prostheses were measured and estimated by means of the fluid displacement technique and three-dimensional postprocessing software, respectively. The volumes of the prostheses also were estimated by three performers using the Cavalieri principle to check the accuracy and interobserver interrelation of the suggested technique


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the Cavalieri estimate and the real volumes of the breast prostheses (p > 0.05), nor between the performers's volume estimates (p > 0.05). The orientation of the section planes did not affect the accuracy of the estimates (p > 0.05)


CONCLUSIONS
This report describes a rapid, simple, accurate, and practical technique for estimating the volume of the breast prostheses without changing the routine process in the clinics. It was concluded that the combination of MRI with the Cavalieri principle is a direct and accurate technique that can be applied safely for estimating the volume of the breast prosthesis in 4 min and 34 s per prosthesis.
Akbas
Hayati
H
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Ondokuz Mayis University, Medical School, 55030 Samsun, Turkey.
Sahin
Bunyamin
B
Eroglu
Lutfi
L
Odaci
Ersan
E
Bilgic
Sait
S
Kaplan
Suleyman
S
Uzun
Ahmet
A
Ergur
Hayati
H
Bek
Yuksel
Y
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001837:Body Weights and Measures / Q000379:methods*; D019928:Breast Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018427:Breast Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity