Objective computerized determination of the minimum cross-sectional area of the nasal passage on computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
Current methods that measure cross-sectional areas of the nasal passage on computed tomography (CT) do not determine the minimum cross-sectional area that may be an important factor in nasal airway resistance. Objective measurement of the dimensions of the nasal passage may help in the diagnosis, as well as the choice and evaluation of surgical treatment for upper airway insufficiencies.


METHODS
Retrospective and clinical study.


METHODS
Software was developed that automatically calculates the minimum cross-sectional area of the nasal passage on CT.


RESULTS
Evaluation shows that the minimization algorithm in the software reliably calculates the position and orientation of the oblique plane on which the minimum cross-section lies.


CONCLUSIONS
The developed method may be used for objective and observer-independent evaluation of surgical treatment options.
Bakker
Niels H
NH
Department of Man-Machine Systems, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands.
Lohuis
Peter J F M
PJ
Menger
Dirk J
DJ
Nolst Trenité
Gilbert J
GJ
Fokkens
Wytske J
WJ
Grimbergen
Cornelis A
CA
D000465:Algorithms; D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional / Q000379:methods*; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D009666:Nose / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*