[CT virtual endoscopy: A study of the capability to display the structures and abnormalities in nasal cavity]

To evaluate displaying ability of virtual endoscopy and its clinical application in comparison with fiberoptic nasal endoscopy, 11 patients (22 nasal cavities) were examined by virtual endoscopy after axial spiral CT scanning was performed. Virtual endoscopy was performed by Explorer software package in a computer workstation. 9 patients (18 nasal cavities) underwent fiberoptic endoscopy. Results showed virtual endoscopy could clearly demonstrate the anatomical structures in nasal cavity, septal deviation, nasal meatus narrowing and obstruction, turbinate hyperplasia, and pathological masses larger than 3 mm in diameter. However, the "false adhesions" may appear with virtual endoscopy. The main limitation of virtual endoscopy was inability to evaluate mucosa and lack of histological diagnosis. Virtual endoscopy is a new and non-invasive method for demonstrating anatomical structures and diseases in nasal cavity. Its displaying ability is comparable with fiberoptic nasal endoscopy. It can serve as a supplementary method of fiberoptic nasal endoscopy.