Algorithmic interpretation of head and neck computerized tomography (CT) images Khalid Al Qahtani a, *, Shereen Yankisari a , Mohammed Al Shehabi a , Fareed Al Ghamdi a , Faiza Al Otaibi a , Tahera Islam b a Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia b College of Medicine and Research Center, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia A R T I C L E I N F O Article history: Received 10 October 2016 Accepted 11 May 2017 Available online xxx Keywords: CT head and neck Radiology Resident education Anatomy of head and neck A B S T R A C T Introduction.: There are few text resources to guide the otolaryngology resident systematically through the interpretation of Head and Neck CT Images. The residents struggle with the interpretation of CT Images. Our aim was to develop a comprehensive algorithmic technique for interpreting computerized tomography (CT) images of the head and neck using anatomic details and related CT images. Methods.: A prospective observational study conducted in an academic hospital. Thorough literature search for descriptive articles regarding head and neck CT highlighted deficits in existing interpretation techniques. Systemic interpretation algorithm was constructed and used as a learning tool (lecture) for the junior Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery (ORL HNS) residents group of the Saudi Board. Questionnaire was formulated that emphasized the steps and skills involved in the interpretation of head and neck CT by investigating radiological and clinical anatomy in the CT images. The questionnaire was answered by the group of junior residents and by a group of senior residents and consultants (except for head and neck consultants). Results.: The results were analyzed and compared for both groups, revealing a higher score in the junior (algorithm) group compared with the other group. Discussion.: This structured comprehensive algorithm for the interpretation of head and neck CT scans is an effective and reliable reference tool that may enhance and refine ORL HNS resident training and knowledge. © 2017 Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India, Pvt. Ltd on behalf of Anatomical Society of India. 1. Introduction CT scan plays a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment plan and evaluation of head and neck disease, especially in malignancy. It is routinely used by otolaryngologists to stage the disease and keep track of disease progression as well as metastasis. 1 It is also a critical tool in the investigation of trauma, infections, bone erosion, conductive hearing loss, middle ear, cholesteatoma, and sialoliths. 2 There are few text resources to guide the otolaryngology resident systematically through the interpretation of Head and Neck CT Images. As a result the residents struggle with the interpretation of CT Images, whether in the grand rounds or clinical meetings or exam. Therefore, it is of great value and interest to develop a systematic algorithm that could make this process easier for current and future residents. A search in the internet showed that there were no articles describing comprehensive, algorithmic techniques for interpreting CT images of the head and neck that could be used as a reference by residents in training for clinical practice. This is because the interpretation of CT images is performed based on information gained from personal experience in addition to a thorough literature search. Additionally, only fragmented information is available on this topic; the remaining information is derived from discussions and academic lecture notes. Our aim was to develop a comprehensive algorithmic technique for interpreting computerized tomography (CT) images of the head and neck using anatomic details and related CT images. 2. Materials and methods This prospective observational study was conducted in an academic hospital as a survey (questionnaire) that emphasized the steps and skills involved in head and neck CT interpretation by investigating radiological anatomy in CT images. Accordingly, by * Correspondence to: King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, King Saud University, P.O. Box 245, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia. E-mail address: kqresearch@hotmail.com (K. Al Qahtani). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jasi.2017.05.004 0003-2778/© 2017 Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India, Pvt. Ltd on behalf of Anatomical Society of India. Journal of the Anatomical Society of India xxx (2017) xxx–xxx G Model JASI 189 No. of Pages 11 Please cite this article in press as: K. Al Qahtani, et al., Algorithmic interpretation of head and neck computerized tomography (CT) images, J Anat Soc India (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jasi.2017.05.004 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Journal of the Anatomical Society of India journal homepa ge: www.elsev ier.com/locate/jasi