MDCT Evaluation of Costal Bone Lesions: Comparison of Axial, Multiplanar, and 3D Volume-Rendered Images

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare accuracies of axial, multiplanar, and volume-rendered 3-dimensional (3D) images in the diagnosis of costal bone lesions.Forty-one patients, aged from 10 to 72-years old, with costal bone lesions underwent multidetector CT (MDCT). Axial, multiplanar, and 3D-volume-rendered images were reviewed by 3 reviewers for the property of the lesions (fracture, tumor, and tumor-like lesions or inflammation). In case of fracture, the diagnosis was demonstrated with the location of the fracture and the amounts of the costal bone involved. In case of a tumor or tumor-like lesions, the diagnosis was demonstrated pathological property. Final diagnosis was determined by biopsy or surgery. Diagnostic accuracy and interreviewers agreement were evaluated.For the diagnosis of fractures, average accuracy was 77%, 100%, and 100% for axial, multiplanar, and 3D-volume-rendered images, respectively. For the diagnosis of tumor and tumor-like lesions, average accuracy was 90% for axial, 96% for multiplanar, and 99% for 3D-volume-rendered images. For the diagnosis of inflammation lesions, average accuracy was 100% for all the 3 image formats. Interobserver agreement independence of imaging formats was high.Multiplanar and 3D-volume-rendered images were superior to axial images in diagnosis of fracture, tumor, and tumor-like lesions; however, for the evaluation of inflammation lesions, there were no difference by 3 image formats.