Comparison between the Anatomical Models of Skull Reconstructed from DICOM Data and Anatomical Models Reconstructed after Modification of this Data, by Increase Thickness of the Slice

Background When medical model is requested, in the most times the suggested scanning protocol of the CT scan involve the thinnest possible slice to be taken. This will result in increased dosage of radiation that the patient will receive as the thinnest the slice in the CT scan the more radiation it requires. Five DICOM data sets were selected randomly from our hospital radiology unit. These data (skull images) were taken using CT scan protocol specific for PNS (paranasal sinuses). The protocol involves (0.625mm) slice thickness. Five Skull models sets were reconstructed first according to these original data thickness (0.625mm). These skull models sets were reconstructed again after modifying the slice thickness of the original DICOM data to be (1 mm) by a software used in the CT scan unit (mention the software used for this purpose). An advanced software (ATOS PROFESSIONAL/GOM GMBH), used in aerospace and automotive industries, compare precisely these two skull models derived from both original data sets and modified data sets by inspection of any dimensional and anatomical changes of skulls that were reconstructed from the modified data Aim of study to see if the increase slice thickness in the CT scanning obtained for reconstruction of medical models has a strong effect on overall accuracy of those models, this is in favor of decreasing the high radiation dosage that may be applied when obtain a thinner slice. Results The inspection showed that both models (original data model and modified data model) for each patient were almost the same from the anatomical point of view and both are nearly superimposed on each other except minute deviations which were not statistically significant. Conclusion by overall inspection of the two models sets we support that scanning protocols of 1mm slice thickness yields a very similar results to those resulted with usage of 0.625mm slice thickness protocols, and can be applied in craniofacial modelling with the benefit from concomitant radiation dosage reduction.