Breast volume estimation from systematic series of CT scans using the Cavalieri principle and 3D reconstruction.
OBJECTIVES
Preoperative breast volume estimation is very important for the success of the breast surgery. In the present study, two different breast volume determination methods, Cavalieri principle and 3D reconstruction were compared.


MATERIAL AND METHODS
Consecutive sections were taken in slice thickness of 5 mm. Every 2nd breast section in a set of consecutive sections was selected. We marked breast tissue with blue line on each selected section, and so prepared CT scans used for breast volume estimation. The volumes of the 60 breasts were estimated using the Cavalieri principle and 3D reconstruction.


RESULTS
The mean breast volume value was established to be 467.79 ± 188.90 cm(3) with Cavalieri method and 465.91 ± 191.41 cm(3) with 3D reconstruction. The mean CE for the estimates in this study was calculated as 0.25%. Skin-sparing volume was about 91.64% of the whole breast volume. Both methods are very accurate and have a strong linear association.


CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that the calculation of breast volume or its part in vivo from systematic series of CT scans using the Cavalieri principle or 3D breast reconstruction is accurate enough to have a significant clinical benefit in planning reconstructive breast surgery. These methods can help the surgeon guide the choice of the most appropriate implant or/and flap preoperatively.
['Erić|Mirela|M|', 'Anderla|Andraš|A|', 'Stefanović|Darko|D|', 'Drapšin|Miodrag|M|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D001940:Breast D005260:Female D006801:Humans D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional D016462:Mammaplasty D008327:Mammography D008408:Mastectomy D008875:Middle Aged D009929:Organ Size D012016:Reference Values D012044:Regression Analysis D015203:Reproducibility of Results D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed D055815:Young Adult
Breast Volume estimation Cavalieri principle 3D reconstruction CAD software SolidWorks