Three-dimensional reconstruction of multidetector computed tomography images of paranasal sinuses of New Zealand rabbits

This study was conducted to produce a 3-dimensional reconstruction using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images of the anatomic structures forming the paranasal sinuses of New Zealand rabbits and to present biometric properties of the sinuses and conchae. A total of 16 adult New Zealand rabbits, comprising 8 males and 8 females, were included in the study. After high-resolution MDCT images of the paranasal sinuses were obtained, they were reconstructed using a 3-dimensional modeling program (Mimics) by overlapping the images and the biometric measurements of the structures forming the paranasal sinuses. The maxillary sinuses of New Zealand rabbits were made up of 2 compartments. It was also observed that their conchae were more developed with an uneven structure. The frontal sinus and sphenoid sinus were not seen and the ethmoid sinus was not observed. There was not a significant statistical difference between sinus and conchae constituting the right and left paranasal sinuses of the same sex; however, a significant statistical difference was observed between the sexes (P < 0.05). This study’s data can be used for purposes of modern anatomy education and research and may form a basis as a model for future studies to be performed on the paranasal sinuses.