Accuracy and time efficiency for the detection of thoracic cage fractures: volume rendering compared with transverse
Hatem Alkadhi1, Simon Wildermuth, Borut Marincek
1Department of Medical Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Hatem.Alkadhi@usz.ch
Objective:
To compare the accuracy and time efficiency of volume rendering (VR) compared with transverse images of multidetector-row computed tomography data to identify thoracic cage fractures.
Methods:
Computed tomography scans of 50 patients with acute blunt chest trauma were retrospectively analyzed by using VR and transverse images. The number, location, and type of rib and sternal fractures revealed by these viewing methods were compared, and the time needed for diagnosis was measured.
Results:
Thirty of 50 patients had a total of 178 rib fractures. The mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for their detection were similar for transverse (96%, 100%, and 99%) and VR (98%, 100%, and 100%) images. Three sternal fractures were correctly diagnosed with VR, and 1 was missed on transverse images by both readers. The time to read VR images (mean of 105 seconds) was significantly reduced compared with the time needed for transverse image reading (mean of 167 seconds; P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Volume rendering of computed tomography data depicts thoracic cage fractures with a high accuracy similar to that of transverse images but is considerably faster.
More Related Videos
12:32Image Rendering Techniques in Postmortem Computed Tomography: Evaluation of Biological Health and Profile in Stranded Cetaceans
Published on: September 27, 2020
09:32Time-Resolved, Dynamic Computed Tomography Angiography for Characterization of Aortic Endoleaks and Treatment Guidance via 2D-3D Fusion-Imaging
Published on: December 9, 2021
