Can Three-Dimensional Reconstructed Image Replace Medical Photograph? / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In recent years, medical recording by digital photography has become a useful tool in every field. Developments in digital techonology have enabled digital X-ray techniques as well as three-dimensional imaging tools such as CT and MRI. Digital data are processed to form three-dimensional images of the patient body and to provide virtual endoscopy. This study aims to widen the application of 3D images for medical recording. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: CT data from five patients with neck mass were used to make gross 3D images showing the lesion site with the aid of 3D-doctor 4.0 and RAPIDIA 3D ver. 2.8 (INFINITT healthcare , Seoul, Korea). Surface rendered images and volume rendered images were compared with the medical photos regarding identification, visibility of lesion, measuring, multidirectional view and reproducibility. RESULTS: 3D images could show real surface contour of the patients, including lesion sites. Shapes shown by the 3D images are exactly the same as the medical photographs, thus it was possible to measure the length and angles and view the image in any directions by rotating. CONCLUSION: Surface rendered and volume rendered images can be used as pre-operative recording tools.