[Three-dimensional reconstruction and visualization of the fronto-ethmoidal cells based on CT images]

Based on contiguous axial computed tomography (CT) images of the frontal sinus, a three-dimensional (3D) visualization and reconstruction of fronto-ethmoidal cells was performed using Intage Realia (version 2011) software to generate a model to accurately understand the anatomical structure of fronto-ethmoidal cells.

Retrospective analyses of nose CT scan data of 50 patients without sinusitis were performed. Using Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images of sinus axial CT scans, the 3D visualization and reconstruction of the sinus was performed using the Achilles tendon and nasal passage modes in Intage Realia (version 2011) software on personal computers. Two segmentations were performed on the reconstructed sinus, and the structures of the agger nasi, frontal cells, and supraorbital cells and the relative locations of the frontal sinus drainage pathway and cells were observed.

The 3D visualization of the fronto-ethmoidal cells and frontal sinus drainage pathway was successful, allowing accurate observation of the anatomical characteristics of the fronto-ethmoidal cells.

The 3D visualization of fronto-ethmoidal cells can be reconstructed based on contiguous axial CT images of the sinus, allowing an accurate understanding of the anatomical structure of fronto-ethmoidal cells and is well prepared for frontal sinus surgeries.