title: 3D-CT evaluation of facial asymmetry.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Recently, 3-dimensional-computed tomography (3D-CT) imaging has been used in the diagnosis and surgical treatment planning of patients with craniofacial deformities. The present authors have developed a 3D-CT imaging procedure for a 3-dimensional coordinate point evaluation system to assess and diagnose patients with facial asymmetry.
  
  
  METHODS
  The CT data of 16 subjects was selected retrospectively as the control group from patients who had undergone CT examinations to diagnose conditions other than maxillofacial deformities. Anatomical landmarks modified from orthodontic craniometric (cephalometric) points were defined on the 3D-CT images and the asymmetry index of each point was calculated in millimeters. A diagrammatic chart with a baseline indicating the mean asymmetry indices plus the standard deviation in the control group was designed. The resulting diagrammatic chart was used to evaluate the degree of deformity in facial asymmetry patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The topography of facial asymmetry was assessed. The 3D-CT imaging technique as described herein is a practical method of evaluating the morphology of facial asymmetry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Radiology, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Gifu, Japan. kawamata@dent.asahi-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Akitoshi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katsumata
authors.forename: Masami
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fujishita
authors.forename: Masahito
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maeda
authors.forename: Yoshiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ariji
authors.forename: Eiichiro
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ariji
authors.forename: Robert P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Langlais
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002508:Cephalometry; D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007180:Incisor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009915:Orbit / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012658:Sella Turcica / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*