Application of Three-dimensional Reconstruction in Esophageal Foreign Bodies

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the clinical application of three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images in detecting and gaining information on esophageal foreign bodies (FBs). Two patients with esophageal FBs were enrolled for analysis. In both cases, 3D reconstructed images were compared with the FB that was removed according to the object shape, size, location, and orientation in the esophagus. The results indicate the usefulness of conversion of CT data to 3D images to help in diagnosis and treatment. Use of 3D images prior to treatment allows for rapid prototyping and surgery simulation.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Esophageal foreign body; Esophageal surgery.

Fig. 1

Shell of Mytilus coruscus in case 1. (A) Axial CT image showing an esophageal foreign body (red arrow). (B) Three-dimensional reconstructed image showing the relationship with other structures (yellow arrow). (C) Endoscopic view of shell. (D) Rotation of the reconstructed image to mimic the endoscopic photograph. (E) Endoscope-mediated photograph of the extracted shell. (F) Reconstructed image rotated to mimic the foreign body.

Fig. 2

Fish bone in case 2. (A) Axial CT showing an esophageal foreign body (red arrow). (B) Three-dimensional reconstructed image showing the relationship with other structures (yellow arrow). (C) Endoscopic view of fish bone. (D) Rotation of a reconstructed image to mimic the endoscopic photograph. (E) Extracted fish bone. (F) Reconstructed image rotated to mimic the foreign body.