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| Evaluation of multislice CT virtual endoscopy in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma |
| ZHAO De-li, ZHANG Zai-ren, LIU Bai-lu, ZHANG Jin-ling |
| Department of CT, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China |
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Abstract Objective: In the present study, multi-slice computed tomography virtual endoscopy(MSCTVE) was evaluated in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: Twenty-four patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and normal nasophrynx confirmed by pathology underwent multi-slice CT scanning performed with GE Prospeed16 and flexible endoscopy(FE). Two radiologists using Fly Through software generated both antegrade and retrograde endoluminal virtual endoscopy navigation of the nasopharynx. The results of the radiological study were compared with flexible endoscopic findings using six-point and four-point rating scale. Results: MSCTVE appeared to be more accurate in visualization and evaluation of nasopharyngeal anatomy and abnormalities caused by nasopharyngeal carcinoma(P<0.01), however depictions of mucosal surface were difficult or inaccurate(P>0.05). There was good overall correlation between virtual images and flexible endoscopic findings. Conclusion: MSCTVE is a new radiographic technique that can depict clearly the anatomy and morphological changes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This technique is undergoing rapid growing, however there are some limitations such as characterization of lesion and inability to obtain biopsy. We are of the opinion that MSCTVE is a non-invasive and useful technique for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in diagnoses and clinical practice.
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Received: 12 April 2007
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2007, Vol. 18 
