Three-Dimensional Multidetector CT for Anatomic Evaluation of Orbital Tumors

Validation of virtual reality orbitometry bridges digital and physical worlds

Clinical science and medical imaging technology are traditionally displayed in two dimensions (2D) on a computer monitor. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) expands the realm of 2D image visualization, enabling an immersive VR experience with unhindered spatial interaction by the user. Thus far, analysis of data extracted from VR applications was mainly qualitative. In this study, we enhance VR and provide evidence for quantitative VR research by validating digital VR display of computed tomography (CT) data of the orbit. Volumetric CT data were transferred and rendered into a VR environment. Subsequently, seven graders performed repeated and blinded diameter measurements. The intergrader variability of the measurements in VR was much lower compared to measurements in the physical world and measurements were reasonably consistent with their corresponding elements in the real context. The overall VR measurements were 5.49% higher. As such, this study attests the ability of VR to provide similar quantitative data alongside the added benefit of VR interfaces. VR entails a lot of potential for the future research in ophthalmology and beyond in any scientific field that uses three-dimensional data.

A Novel Three-Dimensional Vector Analysis of Axial Globe Position in Thyroid Eye Disease

Purpose. To define a three-dimensional (3D) vector method to describe the axial globe position in thyroid eye disease (TED). Methods. CT data from 59 patients with TED were collected and 3D images were reconstructed. A reference coordinate system was established, and the coordinates of the corneal apex and the eyeball center were calculated to obtain the globe vector EC→. The measurement reliability was evaluated. The parameters of EC→ were analyzed and compared with the results of two-dimensional (2D) CT measurement, Hertel exophthalmometry, and strabismus tests. Results. The reliability of EC→ measurement was excellent. The difference between EC→ and 2D CT measurement was significant (p = 0.003), and EC→ was more consistent with Hertel exophthalmometry than with 2D CT measurement (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between EC→ and Hirschberg test, and a strong correlation was found between EC→ and synoptophore test. When one eye had a larger deviation angle than its fellow, its corneal apex shifted in the corresponding direction, but the shift of the eyeball center was not significant. The parameters of EC→ were almost perfectly consistent with the geometrical equation. Conclusions. The establishment of a 3D globe vector is feasible and reliable, and it could provide more information in the axial globe position.

Primary orbital tumors: a review of 122 cases during a 23-year period: a histo-clinical study in material from the ENT Department of the Medical University of Silesia

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of different types of primary orbital tumors, histopathological diagnosis, and postoperative complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed 122 patients (68 women and 54 men) with orbital tumors, hospitalized in the ENT Department of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice during 1990-2013. The patients were characterized in terms of anatomic, topographical, histopathological, and clinical parameters. The role of diagnostic imagining such as CT, NMR, and fine-needle aspiration (FNB) in preoperative diagnostics is discussed.

RESULTS

of FNB, cytological, and histopathological examination of the postoperative specimens were compared. Results There were 56 (46%) patients with malignant tumors, 42 (34%) with benign tumors, 19 (16%) with inflammatory tumors, and 5 patients (4%) had other tumors. In cases of malignant tumors, local recurrence up to 5 years was found in 36 (64.3%) cases. In the other 20 (35.7%) cases of malignant tumors, the patients remained under close follow-up in the outpatient clinic, without signs of local recurrence (follow-up 1-17 years). According to histopathological examination, malignant tumors were detected in 45.9% of patients and non-malignant tumor in 34.4% of patients. In 19.7% of patients, inflammatory and other types of tumors were diagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

We characterized the occurrence and pathological profiles of orbital tumors. The tumor location, histopathological diagnosis, and postoperative complications give us important information for the diagnosis of tumor prior to biopsy or tumor resection and for the determination of the treatment strategy and possible complications after surgery.