OBJECTIVETo evaluate the diagnostic value of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) three dimensional (3D) reconstruction for maxillofacial diseases.

METHODSSixty patients with maxillofacial diseases underwent the scanning of MSCT with 3D reconstruction. Among them, 34 patients with maxillofacial fracture, 10 patients with maxillofacial tumors and tumor-like diseases, and 16 patients with congenital deformities. The MSCT scanned with slice thickness of 2 mm. The methods of 3D reconstruction included multi-planar reconstruction (MPR), shaded surface display (SSD), and volume rendering (VR). The results were compared with what was observed during operations.

RESULTSTotally 36 cases of maxillofacial fracture were shown by 2D or 3D imaging and were validated by the observations during operation. The MSCT with 3D reconstruction imaging was significantly superior to 2D axial imaging in maxillofacial fracture. Three dimensional imaging could clearly show the spacial anatomy of facial, fragment displacement, and tracing fracture lines. However, 2D imaging had better effectiveness than 3D imaging in observing deep structure and fine fracture. In maxillofacial tumors and tumor-like diseases, 3D imaging was significantly superior to 2D axial imaging in showing the tumor shape and spacial relationships between tumors and surrounding structures. Two dimensional imaging and MPR imaging were excellent to reveal internal structure and pathological changes of tumors. 2D imaging and MPR imaging also achieved better results in showing tumors extended to soft tissues. In maxillofacial congenital deformities, 3D imaging were superior than 2D imaging.

CONCLUSION3D imaging has an important value in the diagnosis and clinical assessment of maxillofacial fracture, tumor-like diseases, and congenital deformities.