Three-dimensional computed tomography cinematic rendering of mandibular odontogenic myxofibroma

Three-dimensional (3D) methods for visualizing volumetric computed tomography (CT) data can aid in understanding the extent of a disease process and planning necessary surgical interventions. Recently, a new method of 3D image creation, known as cinematic rendering (CR), has been developed; it produces photorealistic images from standard CT acquisitions. We describe the CT appearance of a rare tumor type, odontogenic myxofibroma, in the mandible of a 33-year-old woman, and we focus on the potential applications of CR visualizations in this and similar scenarios. Although prospective data quantifying the advantages of CR relative to traditional methods of 3D visualization are still forthcoming, the photorealistic quality of CR images, nonetheless, suggests the important potential utility of this method. Realistic shadowing effects in the images create depth and show the relative positions of objects within a visualized volume in an advantageous manner. Furthermore, soft tissue details allow for visualization of structures that can otherwise be difficult to render with traditional methods.