Qualitative interviews
pituitary adenoma, sphenoid wing meningioma
PITUITARY ADENOMA, SPHENOID WING MENINGIOMA
Two of the 12 patients in the stereoscopic group consented to a qualitative post hoc interview after completing both informed consent talks and questionnaires: one diagnosed with suspected pituitary adenoma and one with suspected sphenoid wing meningioma. In both cases, prior exposure to the imaging modality used in the study affected comprehension during informed consent; one patient had MRI scans before, and the other was familiar with it through popular culture. Compared to conventional informed consent based on selected CT or MRI images, the stereoscopic visualization was perceived to support a better understanding of anatomical relationships because it provided relevant context information. The sagittal view in particular was highlighted as the most intelligible depiction of the neurocranium. Both interviewees used it for relating to external landmarks of the head, such as the nose and ears, in order to better situate intracranial processes. The question of visual likeness between patient and image also became more relevant in a direct comparison of 3D reconstruction and 2D sectional imaging. One interviewee stated that the unfamiliar esthetics of sectional imaging were easier to accept as diagnostic truth than the immersive close-up of the individual neuroanatomy in 3D. They perceived the volumes of radiological thin layer imaging as rather “unprocessed” raw data, while the more accessible 3D reconstruction already served as an “interpretation.” However, both patients recommended the stereoscopic visualization for routine clinical application and asked for more and earlier technology transfer in the realms of doctor-patient communication.