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01-04-2015 | DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING IN ONCOLOGY

Delineating brachial plexus, cochlea, pharyngeal constrictor muscles and optic chiasm in head and neck radiotherapy: a CT-based model atlas

Authors: Domenico Genovesi, Francesca Perrotti, Marianna Trignani, Angelo Di Pilla, Annamaria Vinciguerra, Antonietta Augurio, Monica Di Tommaso, Massimo Caulo, Massimo Savastano, Armando Tartaro, Antonio Raffaele Cotroneo, Giampiero Ausili Cèfaro

Published in: La radiologia medica | Issue 4/2015

Abstract

Background and purpose

Sparing of the organs at risk is one of the primary end-points of radiotherapy. The effects of organ-at-risk delineation on the dosimetric parameters can be critical and can influence treatment planning and outcomes. The aim of our study was to provide anatomical boundaries for the identification and delineation of the following critical organs at risk in the head and neck district: brachial plexus, cochlea, pharyngeal constrictor muscles and optic chiasm.

Patients and methods

One patient was initially selected to elaborate our atlas. This patient was subjected to a planning computed tomography of the brain and head and neck district; axial images of 3-mm thickness at 3-mm intervals were obtained. In the same set-up a magnetic resonance imaging study was also performed. The obtained images were fused based on anatomical landmarks and used by a radiation oncologist, supported by a neuroradiologist, to provide anatomo-radiological limits for the identification of the brachial plexus, cochlea, pharyngeal constrictor muscles and optic chiasm. These limits were further verified on three consecutive patients.

Results

A computed tomography-based atlas was developed with definition of cranial, caudal, medial, lateral, anterior and posterior limits for each organ considered.

Conclusions

This study allows improvement of definitions of anatomic boundaries for the brachial plexus, cochlea, pharyngeal constrictor muscles and optic chiasm. Our multidisciplinary experience led to the production of an institutional reference tool that could represent a useful aid for radiation oncologists in clinical practice.

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Title: Delineating brachial plexus, cochlea, pharyngeal constrictor muscles and optic chiasm in head and neck radiotherapy: a CT-based model atlas
Authors: Domenico Genovesi
Francesca Perrotti
Marianna Trignani
Angelo Di Pilla
Annamaria Vinciguerra
Antonietta Augurio
Monica Di Tommaso
Massimo Caulo
Massimo Savastano
Armando Tartaro
Antonio Raffaele Cotroneo
Giampiero Ausili Cèfaro
Publication date: 01-04-2015
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: La radiologia medica / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 0033-8362
Electronic ISSN: 1826-6983
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-014-0448-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Delineating brachial plexus, cochlea, pharyngeal constrictor muscles and optic chiasm in head and neck radiotherapy: a CT-based model atlas

Abstract

Background and purpose

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background and purpose

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

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