Multiplanar reconstruction as an aid in CT diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Neurology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) is a cornerstone of neurologic diagnosis.
• The utility of multiplanar reconstructions in evaluating complex neuroanatomical structures requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic value of multiplanar reconstructions for the orbit, brain, and spine in patients with diverse neurological conditions.
• To determine if on-line reconstruction enhances the information obtained from neurologic CT scans.

Main Methods:

• Sixty patients with various disorders underwent multiplanar reconstructions of the orbit, brain, and spine.
• Image analysis focused on the degree of useful diagnostic information provided by the reconstructions.

Main Results:

• Multiplanar reconstructions provided significant useful information in 22 cases (36.7%).
• Some useful information was obtained in 26 cases (43.3%).
• No useful information was provided in 12 cases (20%).

Conclusions:

• On-line multiplanar reconstruction is a valuable adjunct to standard neurologic CT.
• This technique improves diagnostic yield in a significant proportion of patients with neurological disorders affecting the orbit, brain, and spine.