Diagnostic efficacy of three-dimensional images by helical CT for lesions in the maxillofacial region

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional (3-D) images produced with a helical CT for the diagnosis of lesions occurring in the maxillofacial region. Thirty-four patients, who had lesions in the maxillofacial region, were examined by plain radiography (intra and extraoral) and the helical CT. Further, 3-D images were reconstructed from the data provided by the helical CT using the volume rendering method. These images were compared with plain radiographic images and conventional two-dimensional (2-D) CT images in terms of the information they provided for diagnosis. Using the 3-D images for tumors, bone destruction, inner components, extent of the lesion,the relationship between the lesion and surrounding anatomical landmarks, and the roots of the adjacent teeth were observed in overall views. We conclude that 3-D images produced by helical CT may provide useful information for the diagnosis of lesions.