3D-CT evaluation of facial asymmetry.
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.
Katsumata
Akitoshi
A
Department of Oral Radiology, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Gifu, Japan. kawamata@dent.asahi-u.ac.jp
Fujishita
Masami
M
Maeda
Masahito
M
Ariji
Yoshiko
Y
Ariji
Eiichiro
E
Langlais
Robert P
RP
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*