Virtual Reality Helps Describe the Progression of Thyroid Cartilage Calcification

Thyroid cartilage (TC) calcifications may impact surgical planning and clinical management. However, few studies to date have implemented virtual reality (VR) to evaluate these calcifications. This study assessed the feasibility of evaluating TC calcifications in various regions and measuring their volumes through VR models generated from computed tomography scans. We also investigated age and gender-related differences in calcification patterns.

Ninety-two participants were categorized into younger, middle-aged, and older age groups. Calcification patterns (degree in Hounsfield units and volume of calcification in cm³) in different TC regions were identified by VR analysis, which enabled comparisons between age groups and genders.

Significant differences in calcification patterns were observed between males and females, particularly in the middle right, middle left, bottom left, and vertex regions. Age-related differences in the vertex region showed increased calcification in the older age group.

This study points to the contribution of VR in the evaluation of complex anatomical structures. The findings revealed significant gender and age patterns in TC calcification. These insights can inform surgical planning and highlight the potential of using VR to gain a better understanding of TC calcification clinically.