3D-imaging of the facial skeleton with an isocentric mobile C-arm system (Siremobil ISO-C3D)

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the facial skeleton using an isocentric mobile C-arm system vs CT. Methods: A dried human skull was scanned using a Siremobil Iso-C-3D and a multi-detector CT (SOMATOM Volume Zoom; Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) to compare reconstructed data sets. For each group of scans a standard protocol and a high resolution protocol were used. Image quality was analysed using six anatomical and six virtual structures in the primary reconstructed axial images of both data sets of the Siremobil Iso-C-3D compared with CT. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) study was performed with six examiners. Results: The original categorical response data revealed no significant differences in sensitivity and specificity (P < 0.05). However, image quality of the reconstructed images of the Siremobil Iso-C-3D was inferior to the CT images, with metal artefacts having a more prominent negative effect. Conclusions: The Siremobil Iso-C-3D produces 3D images of the facial skeleton suitable for imaging osseous structures. No significant differences were found in sensitivity or specificity between the two methods. Metal objects degrade the image from the Iso-C method to a greater extent than those from CT.