3D power Doppler analysis of the vascularisation in tumours of the oral cavity.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the volume and vascularisation of tumours by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in patients with "tumours of the oral cavity".


METHODS
Three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound investigation was performed pre-operatively on 49 patients with carcinomas of the oral cavity. Digitally-stored data were analysed with 3D View program software, a part of which is the "VOCAL-Imaging program". By using VOCAL, the borders of a structure (tumour) can be determined and its volume calculated. The vascularisation of the tumour was determined by analysing three-dimensional colour histograms, and the vascularisation indices were calculated.


RESULTS
Vascularisation indices VI and VFI were significantly higher in patients with neck metastases. The differences between the vascularisation indices in N+ and N0 necks were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The flow index (FI) values between N+ and N0 necks were not statistically different.


CONCLUSIONS
The volume and vascularisation of tumours of the oral cavity could be determined effectively by three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound. Tumour vascularisation is higher in metastatic than in non-metastatic tumours.
Rebol
J
J
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, Maribor Teaching Hospital, Slovenia. janez.rebol@guest.arnes.si
Brkljacić
B
B
Bumber
Z
Z
Psenicnik
S
S
Povalej
P
P
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D009055:Mouth / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography