Database for the collection and analysis of clinical data and images of neoplasms of the sinonasal tract.

Abstract

The Neoplasms of the Sinonasal Tract software package (NSNT v 1.0) implements a complete visual database for patients with sinonasal neoplasia, facilitating standardization of data and statistical analysis. The software, which is compatible with the Macintosh and Windows platforms, provides multiuser application with a dedicated server (on Windows NT or 2000 or Macintosh OS 9 or X and a network of clients) together with web access, if required. The system hardware consists of an Apple Power Macintosh G4500 MHz computer with PCI bus, 256 Mb of RAM plus 60 Gb hard disk, or any IBM-compatible computer with a Pentium 2 processor. Image acquisition may be performed with different frame-grabber cards for analog or digital video input of different standards (PAL, SECAM, or NTSC) and levels of quality (VHS, S-VHS, Betacam, Mini DV, DV). The visual database is based on 4th Dimension by 4D Inc, and video compression is made in real-time MPEG format. Six sections have been developed: demographics, symptoms, extent of disease, radiology, treatment, and follow-up. Acquisition of data includes computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, histology, and endoscopy images, allowing sequential comparison. Statistical analysis integral to the program provides Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The development of a dedicated, user-friendly database for sinonasal neoplasia facilitates a multicenter network and has obvious clinical and research benefits.