Influence of mandibular positioning on the accuracy and reliability of linear measurements on cone beam CT using different voxels and two software programs / Influência do posicionamento mandibular na acurácia e confiabilidade de medidas lineares em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico utilizando diferentes voxels e dois softwares

Objetivo: este estudo avaliou a acurácia e confiabilidadedas medidas lineares em exames detomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico(TCFC), em dois softwares, utilizando diferentesvoxels e variando o posicionamento da mandíbula.Material e Métodos: 10 imagens de TCFC demandíbulas humanas com 25 pontos foram obtidas,usando diferentes protocolos de aquisição(0.250, 0.300, 0.400-mm voxels) e orientações damandíbula (centralizada, rotacionada 10° lateralmentepara direita e esquerda, inclinada 10° para cima e para baixo); 14 medidas foram realizadasnas reconstruções multiplanares nos softwares XoranCate OsiriX. Os achados foram comparadoscom as medidas físicas através de um paquímetrodigital. O teste ANOVA e o coeficiente de correlaçãoforam utilizados com p < 0,05. Resultados:não houve diferença estatisticamente significantequando as medidas foram comparadas em aquisiçõescom diferentes tamanhos de voxels emambos os softwares. A posição da mandíbula nãoinfluenciou nas medidas. Nenhuma diferença foiencontrada quando os valores foram comparadosentre os softwares e o paquímetro digital. Conclusão:as medidas lineares em ambos os softwaresforam confiáveis e acurados comparados a mensuraçãofísica em todos os protocolos. A acuráciae a confiabilidade das mensurações não influenciaramde acordo com as variações de posicionamentoda mandíbula.(AU)

Objective: this study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of linear measurements on cone beam CT (CBCT) scans in two software programs, using different voxels and varying mandible positioning. Material and methods: CBCT images of 10 human mandibles with 25 markers were obtained using different acquisition protocols (0.250, 0.300, 0.400-mm voxels) and mandible orientations (centered, rotated 10° laterally to right and left, tilted 10 up and down); fourteen measurements were carried out on the multiplanar reconstructions in XoranCat and OsiriX Lite software programs. The findings were compared to physical measurements using a digital caliper. ANOVA and correlation coefficient tests were used, at α = 0.05. Results: there was no statistically significant difference when the measurements were compared in acquisitions with different voxel sizes analysed in both software programs. Mandibular positioning changes did not influence the measurements. No differences were found when the values were compared between the software programs and the digital caliper. Conclusion: linear measurements in both programs were reliable and accurate compared with physical measurements when using all acquisition protocols. The accuracy and reliability of the measurements were not influenced by variations in the mandible positioning.(AU)

Vestibular Alveolar bone height measurement: Accuracy and Correlation between direct and indirect techniques / Medición de la altura del hueso alveolar vestibular: precisión y correlación entre técnicas directa e indirecta

ABSTRACT Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has modified the perspective of dentistry images, providing manipulable threedimensional images with a 1:1 patient:image ratio. Treatments and diagnosis are modified or corroborated by CBCT; however, its accuracy in thin structures such as cortical bone has been subjected to critical review. The aim of this study is to correlate the measurement of vestibular alveolar bone height using direct measurements and measurements performed with conebeam tomographic images with standard (SD) voxel resolution. Thirty incisor and premolar teeth of patients undergoing open curettage were measured with a highprecision caliper and with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) at an SD resolution of 0.16 mm voxels in a 3D Orthophos XG Sirona scanner. Intraobserver evaluation was performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Direct measurements and CBCT measurements were correlated using Pearson correlation (PCC). The mean difference between indirect and direct measurements was 3.15 mm. Paired t test and Pearson Correlation coefficient determined that all measurements differed statistically from each other with p<0.05. With the CT scanner and protocol used in this study, CBCT images do not enable accurate evaluation of vestibular alveolar bone height.

RESUMEN La tomografía de haz cónico (CBCT) ha modificado la perspectiva de la imagenología en odontología que brinda una imagen tridimensional manipulable con una relación 1:1, paciente: imagen. Los tratamientos y diagnósticos se ven modificados o corroborados por el CBCT; sin embargo, la exactitud que presenta en estructuras delgadas como las corticales óseas ha sido sometida a críticas. El objetivo fue correlacionar la medición de la altura del hueso alveolar vestibular mediante mediciones directas y las realizadas con imágenes tomográficas de haz cónico con resolución de vóxel estándar (SD). Treinta dientes incisivos y premolares de pacientes sometidos a un curetaje abierto se midieron con un calibrador de alta precisión y una tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) a una resolución SD de 0,16 mm de vóxeles en un escáner 3D Orthophos XG Sirona. La evaluación intraobservador se realizó utilizando el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC), y las mediciones directas y las mediciones CBCT se correlacionaron utilizando la correlación de Pearson (PCC). La diferencia media entre las mediciones indirectas y directas fue de 3,15 mm. La prueba t pareada y el Coeficiente de Correlación de Pearson determinaron que todas las mediciones fueron estadísticamente diferentes entre sí con una p <0.05. Con el escáner de TC y el protocolo utilizado en este estudio, las imágenes CBCT no permiten una evaluación precisa de la altura del hueso alveolar vestibular.

Effect of Time Lapse on the Diagnostic Accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Detection of Vertical Root Fractures

Abstract Accurate and early diagnosis of vertical root fractures (VRFs) is imperative to prevent extensive bone loss and unnecessary endodontic and prosthodontic treatments. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of time lapse on the diagnostic accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for VRFs in endodontically treated dog's teeth. Forty-eight incisors and premolars of three adult male dogs underwent root canal therapy. The teeth were assigned to two groups: VRFs were artificially induced in the first group (n=24) while the teeth in the second group remained intact (n=24). The CBCT scans were obtained by NewTom 3G unit immediately after inducing VRFs and after one, two, three, four, eight, 12 and 16 weeks. Three oral and maxillofacial radiologists blinded to the date of radiographs assessed the presence/absence of VRFs on CBCT scans. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values were calculated and data were analyzed using SPSS v.16 software and ANOVA. The total accuracy of detection of VRFs immediately after surgery, one, two, three, four, eight, 12 and 16 weeks was 67.3%, 68.7%, 66.6%, 64.6%, 64.5%, 69.4%, 68.7%, 68% respectively. The effect of time lapse on detection of VRFs was not significant (p>0.05). Overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CBCT for detection of VRFs were 74.3%, 62.2%, 67.2% respectively. Cone beam computed tomography is a valuable tool for detection of VRFs. Time lapse (four months) had no effect on detection of VRFs on CBCT scans.

Resumo Um diagnostico correto e a tempo das fraturas radiculares verticais (FRVs) é essencial para prevenir extensa perda óssea, tratamentos endodônticos e próteses desnecessárias. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tempo decorrido sobre a acurácia diagnóstica da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) para detecção de FRVs em dentes de cães tratados endodonticamente. Quarenta e oito dentes incisivos e premolares obtidos de três cães machos adultos tiveram os seus canais tratados. Os dentes foram divididos em dois grupos: no primeiro grupo (n=24) foram artificialmente induzidas FRVs, enquanto no segundo grupo (n=24) os dentes permaneceram intactos. As imagens de TCFC foram obtidas pela unidade NewTom 3G imediatamente após a cirurgia de indução das FRVs e uma, duas, três, quarto, oito, 12 e 16 semanas depois. Três radiologistas cegos para as datas das imagens avaliaram a presença/ausência de FRVs nas imagens de TCFC. Foram calculados os valores da sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia, sendo os dados analisados por ANOVA e pelo programa SPSS v.16. As acurácias totais de detecção das FRVs imediatamente após sua indução e uma, duas, três, quarto, oito, 12 e 16 semanas depois foram respectivamente de 67,3%, 68,7%, 66,6%, 64,6%, 64,5%, 69,4%, 68,7% e 68%. O efeito do tempo decorrido foi sem significado estatístico (p>0,05). A TCFC produziu valores gerais de sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia de 74,3%, 62,2% e 67.2%, respectivamente. A tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico é uma ferramenta valiosa para detecção de FRVs. O tempo decorrido (quatro meses) não teve influência sobre a detecção de FRVs nas imagens de TCFC.

Prescrição tomográfica volumétrica e a responsabilidade do radiologista na interpretação das imagens / Volumetric tomographic prescription and the responsibility of the radiologist in the interpretation of the images

A tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) oferece um uso abrangente na prática odontológica e sua disseminação fez com que aumentasse o número de prescrições para esse exame. Há vários tipos de aparelhos de TCFC disponíveis no mercado e diversos protocolos. Campos de visão (Field of View) maiores permitem visualizar e analisar arcos completos de todo complexo maxilo-mandibular. Apesar de uma estrutura ou região específica serem o alvo principal do exame, as estruturas anatômicas a seu redor inevitavelmente são visíveis nas imagens capturadas. Nesse caso, quando uma alteração é visível, mas não é o principal motivo da realização do exame, denomina-se de achado incidental (AI). Uma pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de exames de TCFC em achados incidentais, resultando em um artigo. Ademais, para melhor descrever e esclarecer sua importância, um segundo artigo foi desenvolvido para atualizar e guiar cirurgiõesdentistas sobre como analisar todo o exame realizado. 100 exames de TCFC foram avaliados por um cirurgião-dentista radiologista com experiência na área. A região maxilofacial foi dividida em cinco zonas: vias aéreas e cavidade nasal (Zona 1), articulação temporomandibular (Zona 2), ossos (Zona 3), lesões dos maxilares (Zona 4), dentes (Zona 5) e avaliação de tecidos moles (Zona 6). A maioria dos exames pertence ao gênero feminino (60%). Em 82 exames, pelo menos um achado incidental foi encontrado. A maxila foi considerada o arco mais solicitado para a avaliação. Os principais motivos de prescrição de exames de TCFC foram: planejamento de implantes dentários (80,3%), dentes não-irrompidos (7,8%), fratura dentária (7,8%), enxerto ósseo (1,9%) e lesões do complexo maxilo-mandibular. A incidência de achados incidentais foi maior na Zona 5 (99 AI), seguida das zonas 1 (44 AI), Zona 6 (20 AI), Zona 2 (10 AI), Zona 3 (10 AI), Zona 4 (1). O número total de achados incidentais em todos os exames foi de 185, sendo que 55 deles necessitavam de intervenção, 24 necessitavam acompanhamento e 106 não necessitavam de acompanhamento. Os resultados mostraram um grande número de achados incidentais em exames de TCFC, ressaltando que mesmo quando uma estrutura específica é objetivada no exame, toda a área visível deve ser avaliada criteriosamente a fim de evitar a não visualização de possíveis alterações.(AU)

The cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides a comprehensive use in dental practice and its dissemination has increased the number of prescriptions of this exam. There are various types of tomographic apparatus available on the market and several options of protocols. Larger Field of Views (FOV) offers images of full arch and complete evaluation of the maxillo-mandibular complex. Although a specific structure or region is desired to be viewed in the exam, the anatomic structure beside them inevitably appear. In this case, when an alteration is viewed but was not the purpose of the exam, it is called an incidental finding (IF). A survey was conduct aiming to evaluate the influence of cone beam CT exams in incidental findings, resulting in one paper. In addition, to better describe and clarify its importance, a second paper was developed to update and guide dentists about how to analyze the entire exam. 100 CBCT exams were evaluated by an experienced radiologist. The maxillofacial region was divided into five zones: airways and nasal cavity (zone 1), temporomandibular joint (zone 2), bones (zone 3), jaw lesions (zone 4), teeth (zone 5) and soft tissue (zone 6). Most of the exams belonged to women (60%). In 82 exams, at least one incidental finding was found. The upper jaw was considered the most requested arch for evaluation. The most frequent purposes of CBCT exams were: dental implant planning (80.3%), unerupted teeth (7.8%), root fracture (7.8%), bone graft (1.9%) and maxillofacial lesion (1.9%). The higher incidence of incidental findings was found in zone 5 (99 IF), followed by zone 1 (44 IF), zone 6 (20 IF), zone 2 (10 IF), zone 3 (10 IF), Zone 4 (1IF). The total number of IF in all exams was 185, of which 55 require intervention, 24 require follow-up and 106 are considered not to require monitoring. The results showed a great number of incidental findings in CBCT exams, highlighting that even when a specific structure is aimed, all areas must be carefully analyzed to avoid the possibility of discarding incidental findings.(AU)

Efeito do artefato de "beam hardening" na capacidade de identificação das alterações periodontais e peri-implantares / "Beam Hardening" artefact effect in identifying capacity of periodontal and peri-implant changes

O diagnóstico por imagem é um exame complementar importante para o diagnóstico e acompanhamento da doença periodontal e peri-implantar e atualmente a tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) substitui o uso das tomografias convencionais odontológicas e da tomografia computadorizada médica. No entanto, artefatos ocorrem principalmente, próximos de estruturas de alta densidade como o metal, sendo que essa alteração pode interferir na interpretação das imagens e no diagnóstico. Sendo assim, o presente estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão de literatura relacionada ao efeito do artefato de "beam hardening" na capacidade de identificação das alterações periodontais e peri-implantares. Conclui-se que a TCFC promove uma avaliação tridimensional de doença periodontal e da peri-implantite, mas na presença de artefatos metálicos pode haver uma limitação da qualidade da imagem do nível ósseo ao redor dos dentes e implantes.(AU)

Diagnostic imaging is an important complementary method for the diagnosis and follow up of periodontal disease and peri-implant and nowadays cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) replaces the use of conventional dental CT scans and medical CT scan. However, artifacts occur mainly near high-density structures such as metal, and this change may interfere interpretation of the images and diagnosis. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a literature review on the effect of "beam hardening" artifact in identifying capacity of periodontal and peri-implant changes. We conclude that CBCT promote three-dimensional evaluation of periodontal disease and peri-implantitis, but presence of metal artifacts could be a limitation of the image quality of bone level around the teeth and implants.(AU)

Digital panoramic radiography for diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint: CBCT as the gold standard

Three-dimensional imaging modalities have been reported to be more accurate than panoramic radiographs (PR) for the assessment of bone components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). No exact prior information is available that demonstrates which specific limitations occur in terms of TMJ diagnosis when using PR for this purpose. This study aimed to assess the clinical validity of digital panoramic radiography (DPR) when diagnosing morphological disorders of the TMJ using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as the gold standard. A sample composed of TMJ images (N = 848), including 212 DPR and 212 CBCT images obtained from the same patient, was used to assess any morphological changes in the TMJ. Four appraisers diagnosed all of the DPR images, whereas the CBCT images were used to establish the gold standard. The reliability of each appraiser’s response pattern was analyzed using the Kappa test (κ), and diagnostic tests were performed to assess each appraiser’s performance using a significance level setting of 5% (α = 0.05). Reliability of each appraiser’s response pattern compared to the gold standard ranged from a slight-to-moderate agreement (0.18 ≤ κ ≤ 0.45); and among the different appraisers, the response pattern showed a fair agreement (0.22 ≤ κ ≤ 0.39). Diagnostic tests showed a wide range among the different possible morphological changes diagnosed. DPR does not have validity when diagnosing morphological changes in the TMJ; it underestimates the radiological findings with higher prevalence, and thus, it cannot be used effectively as a diagnostic tool for bone components within this region.

Vertical bone measurements from cone beam computed tomography images using different software packages

This article aimed at comparing the accuracy of linear measurement tools of different commercial software packages. Eight fully edentulous dry mandibles were selected for this study. Incisor, canine, premolar, first molar and second molar regions were selected. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained with i-CAT Next Generation. Linear bone measurements were performed by one observer on the cross-sectional images using three different software packages: XoranCat®, OnDemand3D® and KDIS3D®, all able to assess DICOM images. In addition, 25% of the sample was reevaluated for the purpose of reproducibility. The mandibles were sectioned to obtain the gold standard for each region. Intraclass coefficients (ICC) were calculated to examine the agreement between the two periods of evaluation; the one-way analysis of variance performed with the post-hoc Dunnett test was used to compare each of the software-derived measurements with the gold standard. The ICC values were excellent for all software packages. The least difference between the software-derived measurements and the gold standard was obtained with the OnDemand3D and KDIS3D (-0.11 and -0.14 mm, respectively), and the greatest, with the XoranCAT (+0.25 mm). However, there was no statistical significant difference between the measurements obtained with the different software packages and the gold standard (p> 0.05). In conclusion, linear bone measurements were not influenced by the software package used to reconstruct the image from CBCT DICOM data.

Evaluation of the reliability of measurements in cephalograms generated from cone beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to compare angular and linear measurements generated in digital cephalometric radiographs and cephalograms synthesized from three-dimensional images. METHODS: Twenty-six individuals (12 men and 14 women) with mean age of 26.3 years were selected. Digital cephalometric radiographs and CBCTs were taken on the same day. The images were imported and analyzed on Dolphin Imaging V.10.5 software, which synthesized cephalograms in perspective projection and magnification of 9.7%. A single observer marked the points and repeated the procedure with an interval of time of ten days to evaluate intraexaminer error. In the statistical analysis paired Student's t test was used to establish the correlation between the measurements. RESULTS: The angular measurements GoGn.SN and IMPA, which involved the Gonial point (Go) and the linear measurements that involved the lips presented significant difference (p < 0.05). The other measurements presented good correlation. CONCLUSION: The measurements in the synthesized cephalograms proved to be reliable.

OBJETIVO: comparar medidas angulares e lineares geradas em radiografias cefalométricas digitais e cefalogramas sintetizados a partir de imagens tridimensionais. MÉTODOS: selecionou-se 26 indivíduos (12 do sexo masculino e 14 do feminino), com média de idade de 26,3 anos, que realizaram no mesmo dia as radiografias cefalométricas digitais e tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico. As imagens foram importadas e analisadas no software Dolphin Imaging V.10.5, que sintetizou cefalogramas com projeção perspectiva e magnificação de 9,7%. As marcações dos pontos foram realizadas por um único observador e repetidas com um intervalo de tempo de 10 dias para avaliação do erro intraexaminador. Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste t de Student pareado para estabelecer a correlação entre as medidas. RESULTADOS: as medidas angulares GoGn.SN e IMPA, que envolviam o ponto Gônio (Go), e as medidas lineares que envolviam os lábios, apresentaram diferença significativa (p < 0,05). As outras medidas apresentaram boa correlação. CONCLUSÃO: as medições nos cefalogramas sintetizados mostraram-se confiáveis.

Assessment of simulated mandibular condyle bone lesions by cone beam computed tomography

There are many limitations to image acquisition, using conventional radiography, of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region. The Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a better option, due to its higher accuracy, for purposes of diagnosis, surgical planning and treatment of bone injuries. The aim of the present study was to analyze two protocols of cone beam computed tomography for the evaluation of simulated mandibular condyle bone lesions. Spherical lesions were simulated in 30 dry mandibular condyles, using dentist drills and drill bits sizes 1, 3 and 6. Each of the mandibular condyles was submitted to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) using two protocols: 1) axial, coronal and sagittal multiplanar reconstruction (MPR); and 2) sagittal plus coronal slices throughout the longitudinal axis of the mandibular condyles. For these protocols, 2 observers analyzed the CBCT images independently, regarding the presence or not of injuries. Only one of the observers, however, performed on 2 different occasions. The results were compared to the gold standard, evaluating the percentage of agreement, degree of accuracy of CBCT protocols and observers' examination. The z test was used for the statistical analysis. The results showed there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 protocols. There was greater difficulty in the assessment of small-size simulated lesions (drill # 1). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that CBCT is an accurate tool for analyzing mandibular condyle bone lesions, with the MPR protocol showing slightly better results than the sagittal plus coronal slices throughout the longitudinal axis.