Assessment of pectus excavatum using three-dimensional optical imaging: The new gold standard [Oral presentation]

Abstract

<p><b>Introduction: </b>Conventional management approach of pectus excavatum (PE) often relies on computed tomography (CT) to assess Haller index (HI) and correction index (CI). With the novel technology of three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging, it serves as a radiation free alternative, which is especially important in children. However, the role and clinical value of 3D scan in PE management have not been fully validated. The aim of our study is to assess the accuracy and reliability of using a portable 3D scanner as the diagnostic tool for PE.</p><p><b>Methods: </b>Patients with PE were recruited into the study with demographics recorded. Both CT and 3D imaging were performed for comparison. HI and CI were obtained from CT images, while the external HI and external CI were calculated from the 3D images. Statistical analysis was conducted to validate the correlation between radiologically and optically derived values.</p><p><b>Results: </b>120 patients were included into the study with 107 male and 13 female. Mean age is 14.6 at the time of imaging. Analysis demonstrated strong correlation between HI and external HI (<em>r</em>=0.92, <em>p</em><0.0001), and that is even stronger between CI and external CI (<em>r</em>=0.98, <em>p</em><0.0001).</p><p><b>Conclusion: </b>3D optical imaging is an accurate and reliable method in assessment of PE without radiation. It should be considered as the new gold standard in PE management in the future.</p>