Accuracy of the Anatomage Table in detecting extranodal extension in head and neck cancer: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: To assess whether the three-dimensional reconstructions of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans are helpful for establishing extranodal extension (ENE) in head and neck carcinoma.Approach: Patients with a histological diagnosis of ENE (pENEþ) were considered "cases" and patients with negative histological examination for ENE (pENE−) were considered "controls." Cases and controls were divided into two groups: a major nodes (MaN) group (lymph nodes on CT > 15 mm) and a minor nodes (MiN) group (lymph nodes on CT ≤ 15 mm). The preoperative CT scans were uploaded to the Anatomage Table and were randomly and blindly provided to the radiologist for assessment. The findings at the Anatomage Table were compared with those of CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.Results: Analysis of data from the MaN group showed that the Anatomage Table had a higher percentage of concordance with histopathological examination (90%) than the CT and MRI scans. The Anatomage Table had 100% sensitivity in identifying all pENEþ patients, associated with a lower specificity. The negative predictive value of 100% allowed identification of pENE− patients. In the MiN group, on the other hand, sensitivity was lower, related to a high number of false-negative results.Conclusions: The Anatomage Table could represent a useful tool for preoperatively establishing the extranodal extension of cervical lymph node metastasis.

XR (Extended Reality: Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality) Technology in Spine Medicine: Status Quo and Quo Vadis

“…For example, students can already use Anatomage TABLE™ to observe 3D dissection to the center of a cell in VR. In this way, software development can provide an engaging learning experience that allows for a deeper understanding of complex concepts [46].…”

The Impact of Histopathological Features on the Prognosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The depth of invasion (DOI), which represents the distance from the basement membrane of epithelium to the deepest area of invasive front of the tumor, was incorporated in the T category, and the extranodal extension (ENE), defined as the extension of metastatic tumor cells through the lymph nodal capsule, was included in the N category. Although both can be determined clinically or through imaging examinations, the histological evaluation is essential, particularly when those features are not prominently detected ( 8 , 9 ).…”

Three-Dimensional Virtual Anatomy as a New Approach for Medical Student’s Learning

“…Furthermore, one study detailed the utility of the Anatomage Table to carefully identify an extranodal extension of a cervical lymph node metastasis [ 41 ]; the authors demonstrated that the Anatomage images showed a higher percentage of similarity with histopathological examinations than the computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance images [ 41 ].…”