Comparison of micro-computerized tomography and cone-beam computerized tomography in the detection of accessory canals in primary molars

PURPOSE: This study was performed to compare the accuracy of micro-computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting accessory canals in primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one extracted human primary first and second molars were embedded in wax blocks and scanned using micro-CT and CBCT. After the images were taken, the samples were processed using a clearing technique and examined under a stereomicroscope in order to establish the gold standard for this study. The specimens were classified into three groups: maxillary molars, mandibular molars with three canals, and mandibular molars with four canals. Differences between the gold standard and the observations made using the imaging methods were calculated using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: The presence of accessory canals in micro-CT images of maxillary and mandibular root canals showed a statistically significant correlation with the stereomicroscopic images used as a gold standard. No statistically significant correlation was found between the CBCT findings and the stereomicroscopic images. CONCLUSION: Although micro-CT is not suitable for clinical use, it provides more detailed information about minor anatomical structures. However, CBCT is convenient for clinical use but may not be capable of adequately analyzing the internal anatomy of primary teeth.

Anatomy of the azygos vein examined by computerized tomography imaging

To examine the anatomy of the azygos vein AV using different parameters. Therefore, the diameter of the AV at its opening into the superior vena cava, the opening level of the AV into the superior vena cava, and the position of the AV, with respect to the vertebral column and carina, were examined by CT. Chest CTs of 103 cases [42 female and 61 male] were reviewed at the Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey between July 2004 and February 2005. The CT examinations were performed with a Philips AU E1 spiral CT [Rotterdam, Netherlands] with the following parameters: 120 Hv; 200 mAs; slice thickness: 7 mm; pitch: 1; reconstruction index: 7 mm. The results were statistically analyzed. The diameter of the AV at the opening into the superior vena cava ranged between 4.3 mm and 16 mm. The AV was in the midline in 41 cases. The arching and opening level of the AV was at the fifth thoracic vertebra in most cases. The opening level was most often at the same level as the carina. Hemiazygos veins were detected in 90 patients. The parameters measured in this study may be useful in surgical procedures of the mediastinum and during the interpretation of chest radiographs

Magnetic resonance venography of double inferior vena cava

Duplication of the inferior vena cava IVC is the most common anomaly affecting the vena cava. Variations of the IVC are diagnosed in routine dissection studies, in retroperitoneal surgeries, or in radiological studies for various reasons. In this paper, we present a case of double IVC with its magnetic resonance imaging findings