Cone beam computed tomographic analyses of alveolar bone anatomy at the maxillary anterior region in Chinese adults

To provide an anatomical basis for clinical implant esthetics,we evaluated the morphology of the nasopalatine canal（NPC） and analyzed labial and interproximal bone anatomy at the maxillary anterior region.We sought to investigate the effect of maxillary protrusion and tooth labiolingual inclination on labial bone anatomy in Chinese adults.Three dimensional（3D） images were reconstructed using cone-beam computed tomography（CBCT） images from 80 Chinese subjects and by SimPlant 11.04.The dimensions of the NPC,the thickness and profile of the labial bone,the width and height of the interproximal bone,angle sella-nasion-subspinale（SNA） and angle upper central incisor-nasion,subspinale（U1-NA） were measured.The incisive foramen of the NPC was markedly wider than its nasal foramen.The dimension of its labial bone wall demonstrated an increasing width from the crestal to apical measurements.The labial bone at the maxillary anterior region was rather thin,especially at 3 mm below the cemento-enamel junction（CEJ） and the mid-root level;the profile of the labial bone was more curved at the central incisor,and the interproximal bone became wider and shorter posteriorly.There were significant relationships between maxillary protrusion and labial bone profile,tooth labiolingual inclination and labial bone thickness（P 〈 0.02）.To achieve optimal esthetic outcome of implant,bone augmentation is necessary at the maxillary anterior region.For immediate or early placement at the maxillary anterior region,the implant should be located palatally to reduce labial bone resorption and marginal recession;its apex should be angulated palatally to avoid labial perforation at the apical region.To protect the NPC,implants at the central incisor region should be placed away from NPC.

Three-dimensional Localization of Impacted Canines and Root Resorption Assessment Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Summary： The purpose of this study was to develop a new way to localize the impacted canines from three dimensions and to investigate the root resorption of the adjacent teeth by using cone beam computed tomography （CBCT）. Forty-six patients undergoing orthodontic treatments and having impacted canines in Tongii Hospital were examined. The images of CBCT scans were obtained from KaVo 3D exam vision. Angular and linear measurements of the cusp tip and root apex according to the three planes （mid-sagittal, occlusal and frontal） have been taken using the cephalometric tool of the InVivo Dental Anatomage Version 5.1.10. The measurements of the angular and linear coordinates of the maxillary and mandibular canines were obtained. Using this technique the operators could envision the location of the impacted canine according to the three clinical planes. Adjacent teeth root resorption.of 28.26 % was in the upper lateral incisors while 17.39% in upper central incisors, but no lower root resorption was found in our samples. Accurate and reliable localization of the impacted canines could be obtained from the novel analysis system, which offers a better surgical and orthodontic treatment for the patients with impacted canines.

Cone beam computed tomographic evaluation of pharyngeal airway in North Indian children with different skeletal patterns

BACKGROUND In growing patients with skeletal discrepancies,early assessment of functional factors can be vital for the restoration of normal craniofacial growth.AIM To compare airway volumes in patients with mandibular retrognathism with the normal anteroposterior skeletal relationship,thereby assessing the association between cephalometric variables and airway morphology.METHODS Cone-beam computed tomography volume scans,and lateral cephalograms,3-dimensional airway volume and cross-sectional areas of 120 healthy children(54 boys and 66 girls mean age 15.19±1.28)which were done for orthodontic assessment were evaluated.The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on the angle formed between point A,Nasion and point B(ANB)values and cephalometric variables(such as anterior and posterior facial height,gonial angle etc.)airway volumes,and cross-sectional measurements were compared using independent t tests.Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to detect any relationship of different parts of the airway and between airway volume and 2-dimensional cephalometric variables.RESULTS Means and standard deviations for cephalometric,cross-sectional,and volumetric variables were compared.ANB,mandibular body length and facial convexity were statistically highly significant(P<0.01)whereas condylion to point A,nasal airway and total airway volume(P<0.05)were statistically significant.The nasal airway volume and the superior pharyngeal airway volume had a positive correlation(P<0.01),nasal airway was correlated to middle(P<0.05)and total airway superior had a relation with middle(P<0.05),inferior and total airway(P<0.05),middle was related to all other airways;inferior was also related to all the airways except nasal.Lateral cephalometric values were positively correlated with the airway volume with Frankfurt Mandibular Plane Angle and facial convexity showed significant correlations with total airway volume(P<0.05).Additionally,ANB angle was significantly correlated with total airway volume and superior airway(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The mean total airway volume in patients with retrognathic mandible was significantly smaller than that of patients with a normal mandible.

基于Cone Beam CT图像的呼吸运动分析

呼吸运动是有一定规律性的运动,传统呼吸运动模型用公式描述,不能准确反映不同病人的特点或同一病人不同时期的特点,无法满足实时准确分析的需要。为此,我们提出了一种通过跟踪病人自由呼吸状态下所采集的Cone Beam CT图像序列中的横隔膜的运动来建立病人呼吸运动模型的方法。该方法建立的模型与传统的呼吸运动理论模型非常相似,证明了它是可行且有效的,同时该方法更能实时准确地反映病人的呼吸运动规律,具有很高的临床实用价值。

Scattering correction method for panel detector based cone beam computed tomography system

A scattering correction method for a panel detector based cone beam computed tomography system is presented. First, the x-ray spectrum of the system is acquired by using the Monte Carlo simulation method. Secondly, scattered photon distribution is calculated and stored as correction matrixes by using the Monte Carlo simulation method according to scanned objects and computed tomography system specialties. Thirdly, scattered photons are removed from projection data by correction matrixes. A comparison of reconstruction image between before and after scattering correction demonstrates that the scattering correction method is effective for the panel detector based cone beam computed tomography system.

Cone beam computed tomography aided diagnosis and treatment of endodontic cases:Critical analysis

Although intraoral radiographs still remain the imaging method of choice for the evaluation of endodontic patients, in recent years, the utilization of cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) in endodontics showed a significant jump. This case series presentation shows the importance of CBCT aided diagnosis and treatment of complex endodontic cases such as; root resorption, missed extra canal, fusion, oblique root fracture, nondiagnosed periapical pathology and horizontal root fracture. CBCT may be a useful diagnostic method in several endodontic cases where intraoral radiography and clinical examination alone are unable to provide sufficient information.

Assessment of liver ablation using cone beam computed tomography

AIM: To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) in assessing the ablation zone after liver tumor ablation.METHODS: Twenty-three patients(17 men and 6 women, range: 45-85 years old, mean age 65 years) with malignant liver tumors underwent ultrasoundguided percutaneous tumor ablation [radiofrequency(n = 14), microwave(n = 9)] followed by intravenous contrast-enhanced CBCT. Baseline multidetector computed tomography(MDCT) and peri-procedural CBCT images were compared. CBCT image quality was assessed as poor, good, or excellent. Image fusion was performed to assess tumor coverage, and quality of fusion was rated as bad, good, or excellent. Ablation zone volumes on peri-procedural CBCT and post-procedural MDCT were compared using the nonparametric paired Wilcoxon t-test.RESULTS: Rate of primary ablation effectiveness was 100%. There were no complications related to ablation. Local tumor recurrence and new liver tumors were found 3 mo after initial treatment in one patient(4%). The ablation zone was identified in 21/23(91.3%) patients on CBCT. The fusion of baseline MDCT and peri-procedural CBCT images was feasible in all patients and showed satisfactory tumor coverage(at least 5-mm margin). CBCT image quality was poor, good, and excellent in 2(9%), 8(35%), and 13(56%), patients respectively. Registration quality between periprocedural CBCT and post-procedural MDCT images was good to excellent in 17/23(74%) patients. The median ablation volume on peri-procedural CBCT and post-procedural MDCT was 30 cm3(range: 4-95 cm3) and 30 cm3(range: 4-124 cm3), respectively(P-value > 0.2). There was a good correlation(r = 0.79) between the volumes of the two techniques. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced CBCT after tumor ablation of the liver allows early assessment of the ablation zone.

Use of cone beam computed tomography in periodontology

Diagnosis of periodontal disease mainly depends on clinical signs and symptoms. However, in the case of bone destruction, radiographs are valuable diagnostic tools as an adjunct to the clinical examination. Two dimensional periapical and panoramic radiographs are routinely used for diagnosing periodontal bone levels. In two dimensional imaging, evaluation of bone craters, lamina dura and periodontal bone level is limited by projection geometry and superpositions of adjacent anatomical structures. Those limitations of 2D radiographs can be eliminated by three-dimensional imaging techniques such as computed tomography. Cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) generates 3D volumetric images and is also commonly used in dentistry. All CBCT units provide axial, coronal and sagittal multi-planar reconstructed images without magnification. Also, panoramic images without distortion and magnification can be generated with curved planar reformation. CBCT displays 3D images that are necessary for the diagnosis of intra bony defects, furcation involvements and buccal/lingual bone destructions. CBCT applications provide obvious benefits in periodontics, however; it should be used only in correctindications considering the necessity and the potential hazards of the examination.

Applied Anatomic Site Study of Palatal Anchorage Implants Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Aim The purpose of this study was to conduct quantitative research on bone height and bone mineral density of palatal implant sites for implantation, and to provide reference sites for safe and stable palatal implants. Methodology Three-dimensional reformatting images were reconstructed by cone beam computed tomography （CBCT） in 34 patients, aged 18 to 35 years, using EZ Implant software. Bone height was measured at 20 sites of interest on the palate. Bone mineral density was measured at the 10 sites with the highest implantation rate, classified using K-mean cluster analysis based on bone height and bone mineral density. Results According to the cluster analysis, 10 sites were classified into three clusters. Significant differences in bone height and bone mineral density were detected between these three clusters （P〈0.05）. The greatest bone height was obtained in cluster 2, followed by cluster 1 and cluster 3. The highest bone mineral density was found in cluster 3, followed by cluster 1 and cluster 2. Conclusion CBCT plays an important role in pre-surgical treatment planning. CBCT is helpful in identifying safe and stable implantation sites for palatal anchorage.

Bone mineral density in cone beam computed tomography:Only a few shades of gray

Cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) has often been used to determine the quality of craniofacial bone structures through the determination of mineral density, which is based on gray scales of the images obtained. However, there is no consensus regarding the accuracy of the determination of the gray scales in these exams. This study aims to provide a literature review concerning the reliability of CBCT to determine bone mineral density. The gray values obtained with CBCT show a linear relationship with the attenuation coefficients of the materials, Hounsfield Units values obtained with medical computed tomography, and density values from dual energy X-ray absorciometry. However, errors are expected when CBCT images are used to define the quality of the scanned structures be-cause these images show inconsistencies and arbitrari-ness in the gray values, particularly when related to abrupt change in the density of the object, X-ray beam hardening effect, scattered radiation, projection data discontinuity-related effect, differences between CBCTdevices, changes in the volume of the field of view(FOV), and changes in the relationships of size and position between the FOV and the object evaluated. A few methods of mathematical correction of the gray scales in CBCT have been proposed; however, they do not generate consistent values that are independent of the devices and their configurations or of the scanned objects. Thus, CBCT should not be considered the ex-amination of choice for the determination of bone and soft tissue mineral density at the current stage, par-ticularly when values obtained are to be compared to predetermined standard values. Comparisons between symmetrically positioned structures inside the FOV and in relation to the exomass of the object, as it occurs with the right and left sides of the skull, seem to be viable because the effects on the gray scale in the re-gions of interest are the same.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with simultaneous cone beam computed tomography-guided multipolar microwave ablation for massive hepatocellular carcinoma(≥10 cm):Safety and primary clinical results

Purpose:To explore the safety and clinical efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with simultaneous cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)-guided multipolar microwave ablation(MWA)in the treatment of massive hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Materials and methods:Records of nine patients who underwent TACE combined with simultaneous CBCT-guided multipolar MWA for massive HCC,between January and June 2015,were retrospectively reviewed.Technical success rate,blood levels of liver function indicators,complications,and tumor response one month after treatmentwere investigated.Results:The technical success rate of TACE combined with simultaneous MWA was 100%.The mean procedure time was 195.0 min(range,125-350 min),the mean hospital stay after the treatment was 4.0±1.0 days(range,3-7 days),and no serious complications occurred.Minor complications were experienced by some patients but were relieved after conservative treatment.One month after treatment,enhanced CT revealed a complete response rate of 66.7%(6/9),a partial response rate of 22.2%(2/9),and a stable disease rate of 11.1%(1/9).Mild and reversible injury of liver function occurred in these patients.Conclusion:TACE combined with simultaneous CBCT-guided MWA for massive HCC was feasible and safe,and yielded a high response rate.

Analytical Calculation of the Compton Single Scatter Component of Pencil Beam Scatter Kernel for Scatter Correction in kV Cone Beam CT (kV-CBCT)

The accuracy of conventional superposition or convolution methods for scatter correction in kV-CBCT is usually compromised by the spatial variation of pencil-beam scatter kernel (PBSK) due to finite size, irregular external contour and heterogeneity of the imaged object. This study aims to propose an analytical method to quantify the Compton single scatter (CSS) component of the PBSK, which dominates the spatial distribution of total scatter assuming that multiple scatter can be estimated as a constant background and Rayleigh scatter is the secondary source of scatter. The CSS component of PBSK is the line integration of scatter production by incident primary photons along the beam line followed by the post-scattering attenuation as the scattered photons traverse the object. We propose to separate the object-specific attenuation term from the line integration and equivalently replace it with an average value such that the line integration of scatter production is object independent but only beam specific. We derived a quartic function formula as an approximate solution to the spatial distribution of the unattenuated CSS component of PBSK. The “effective scattering center” is introduced to calculate the average attenuation. The proposed analytical framework to calculate the CSS was evaluated using parameter settings of the On-Board Imager kV-CBCT system and was found to be in high agreement with the reference results. The proposed method shows highly increased computational efficiency compared to conventional analytical calculation methods based on point scattering model. It is also potentially useful for correcting the spatial variant PBSK in adaptive superposition method.

Clinical Significance of Pathological and Anatomical Findings in Cone Beam CT Scans of the Maxillary Sinus

Objective: To determine the range and prevalence of pathological conditions and demonstration of significant anatomical structures in the maxillary sinuses using the cone beam computerized tomographic (CBCT) scan. Methodology: Case series of 60 CBCT scans of the maxillae. Results: Forty (67%) of the scans were of female patients while the rest (20, 33%) were of males. Remarkably, the majority of the scans were requested for those patients who sought dental implant fabrication. Overall, 35 (58%) scans demonstrated pathological features while 8 (13%) demonstrated significant anatomical structures. Pathological features included mucosal thickening in 26 (43%), polypoid lesions in 9 (15%), total antral opacification in 1 (2%) and foreign body in 1 (2%). The commonest anatomic feature was dental root protrusion into the maxillary sinuses in 8 (13%). Conclusion: The CBCT imaging is an important tool for investigating the maxillary sinuses for pathology and the demonstration of the associated anatomic relations.

Clinical Endodontic Applications of Cone Beam-Computed Tomography in Modern Dental Practice

Nearly two decades since Cone Beam-Computed Tomography (CBCT) was introduced in dentistry, this technology has been proven to be a useful asset in modern dental practice. The information gleaned from a CBCT scan influences treatment decisions and prognostication of challenging endodontic cases. The authors present six cases that utilized CBCT to diagnose vertical root fracture, to assess resorption, to guide the clinician in overcoming anatomical complexities, to hurdle diagnostic dilemmas and to perform pre-surgical evaluation. Initially, a thorough clinical assessment was performed;however, conventional periapical radiographs were not able to provide sufficient information to arrive at a definite diagnosis or a thorough treatment plan. CBCT was therefore deemed helpful for these cases. Clearly, there are advantages to using CBCT. With a better understanding of each case, the clinician can plan a definitive treatment plan and offer a clearer case prognosis to their patient.

Image quality of cone beam CT on respiratory motion

In this study,the influence of respiratory motion on Cone Beam CT (CBCT) image quality was investigated by a motion simulating platform,an image quality phantom,and a kV X-ray CBCT.A total of 21 motion states in the superior-inferior direction and the anterior-posterior direction,separately or together,was simulated by considering different respiration amplitudes,periods and hysteresis.The influence of motion on CBCT image quality was evaluated with the quality indexes of low contrast visibility,geometric accuracy,spatial resolution and uniformity of CT values.The results showed that the quality indexes were affected by the motion more prominently in AP direction than in SI direction,and the image quality was affected by the respiration amplitude more prominently than the respiration period and the hysteresis.The CBCT image quality and its characteristics influenced by the respiration motion,and may be exploited in finding solutions.

Application of cone beam computed tomography in facial imaging science

Facial imaging is used to study the facial shapeand its developmental changes over time.This isimportant to diagnose acquired malformations,to studynormal and abnormal growth and to differentiatebetween the results of treatment and normal growth,and to validate facial recognition.The two mainmethods to study and record facial imaging are bymeans of cephalometry and anthropometry[1].Cephalometrics is the scientific study of themeasurements of the

Genial tubercles: Morphological study of the controversial anatomical landmark using cone beam computed tomography

BACKGROUND Identification of the morphology of the genial tubercles (GTs) is valuable for different dental applications. The morphological pattern of the GTs is still controversial, and therefore, the study of its morphology using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) plays a valuable role in resolving the controversy. AIM To assess the morphological pattern, dimensions and position of the GTs using CBCT among a selected Saudi population. METHODS CBCT records of 155 Saudi subjects (49 female and 106 male) were used to assess the pattern and size of the GTs and to determine the distance from the apices of the lower central incisors to the superior border of the incisors (I-SGT) and the distance from the inferior border of the GTs to the menton (IGT-M). RESULTS The results of this study showed that the most common morphological pattern was of two superior GTs and a rough impression below them (36.8%), followed by two superior GTs and a median ridge representing fused inferior GTs below them (22.6%) and a single median eminence or projection (20%). The classically described pattern, of two superior and two inferior GTs placed one above the other, was found in only 14.2% of cases, while 6.4% of the studied cases had no GTs. The mean width and height were 6.23 ± 1.93 mm and 6.67 ± 3.04 mm, respectively, while the mean I-SGT and IGT-M measurements were 8.26 ± 2.7 mm and 8.13 ± 3.07 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION The GTs are a controversial anatomical landmark with wide variation in their morphological pattern. The most common pattern among the studied Saudi sample was of two superior GTs and a rough impression below them, and there were no significant differences between males and females.

Analysis of Dose Calculation Accuracy in Cone Beam Computed Tomography with Various Amount of Scattered Photon Contamination

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images have inaccurate CT numbers because of scattered photons. Thus, quantitative analysis of scattered photons that affect an electron density (ED) curve and calculated doses may be effective information to achieve CBCT-based radiation treatment planning. We quantitatively evaluated the effect of scattered photons on the accuracy of dose calculations from a lung image. The Monte Carlo method was used to calculate CBCT projection data, and we made two calibration curves for conditions with or without scattered photons. Moreover, we applied cupping artifact correction and evaluated the effects on image uniformity and dose calculation accuracy. Dose deviations were compared with those of conventional CT in conventional and volumetric intensity modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning by using γ analysis and dose volume histogram (DVH) analysis. We found that cupping artifacts contaminated the scattered photons, and the γ analysis showed that the dose distribution was most decreased for a scattered photon ratio of 40%. Cupping artifact correction significantly improved image uniformity;therefore, ED curves were near ideal, and the pass rate results were significantly higher than those associated with the scattered photon effect in 65.1% and 78.4% without correction, 99.5% and 97.7% with correction, in conventional and VMAT planning, respectively. In the DVH analysis, all organ dose indexes were reduced in the scattered photon images, but dose index error rates with cupping artifact correction were improved within approximately 10%. CBCT image quality was strongly affected by scattered photons, and the dose calculation accuracy based on the CBCT image was improved by removing cupping artifacts caused by the scattered photons.

Tissue Density Mapping of Cone Beam CT Images for Accurate Dose Calculations

Purpose: To improve the accuracy in megavoltage photon beam dose calculation in CBCT-based radiation treatment (RT) plans, using a kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-to-density-step (CBCT-SF) function. Materials and Methods: The CBCT-SF table is constructed from differential histograms of the voxel values of CBCT and Fan-beam CT (FBCT). From the CBCT histograms, frequency peaks representing air, lung, soft tissue and bone are observed and their widths in CT numbers are assigned to the lower and higher bounds of the steps in the CBCT-SF. The CBCT-SF is entered into a planning system as an alternative to the clinical CT-to-density table. The CT image sets studied in this work consist of FBCT and CBCT scans of three patients: a prostate cancer patient, a lung cancer patient and a head and neck patient;and of a humanoid phantom at sections of the pelvis, the thorax and the head. Deformable image registration is used to map the patient FBCT scans to the corresponding CBCT images to minimize anatomical variations. Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans are made on the FBCT image sets of the patients and the phantom. The plans are recalculated on the CBCT scans using both the conventional CT-to-density table and the CBCT-SF. Dose calculations on the CBCT images and FBCT images are compared using dose differences, distance to agreement (DTA), Gamma analyses and dose volume histogram (DVH) analyses. Results: The results show that IMRT plans optimized using CBCT scans and FBCT scans agree dosimetrically within 1% when the CBCT-SF is used for the CBCT-based plans, including thoracic IMRT plan. In contrast, up to 5% dose difference is observed between IMRT plans optimized on FBCT scans and CBCT scans for thoracic cases if conventional CT-to-density table is used on CBCT images. Conclusions: The simple stepwise mapping of the CBCT numbers to density using the CBCT-SF resolves the inaccuracies in dose calculations previously reported in CBCT-based RT plans. CBCT-SF can be used in Image-Guided adaptive radiotherapy planning.

Knowledge and Practices of Dentists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and the Dentascanner in a Low Income Country: Case of Togo

Background: In dental-maxillofacial imaging, 3D sectional imaging progressively replaces conventional 2D imaging in developed countries. They are based specially on Computed tomography (CT-Scan), with the Dentascan application and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). In developing countries those technics are newly introduced. Aim: This study aimed at studying the knowledge and practices of dentist and oral and maxillofacial surgeons on sectional imaging such as Dentascan and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: We conducted an anonymous survey among dentists and oral maxillofacial surgeons in Togo over one month. Results: The response rate was 78.79% (27/33). They were mainly male sex (sex ratio of 2.25 men for one woman). They were aged between 27 and 71 years old with an average of 49.69 years old. The majority (61.54%) had a professional experience over 20 years. The majority of respondents (65.38%) believed their level of knowledge about dental x-Ray was poor. Half of them (50%) confirmed that they had never asked for a Dentascan, and 15.38% asked from time to time for it and only two (7.69%) asked often for this test. 96.15% confirm they have no knowledge of the Dentascan. Regarding the CBCT, 84.62% didn’t ask for it because this technique did not exist in Togo before. 69.20% of respondents confessed to be interested in continuing training on sectional imaging. Conclusion: This study shows that sectional imaging is very little used by oral and dental practitioners in Togo because of the ignorance of the new techniques and the absence of the CBCT. It is therefore necessary to promote the teaching of the new technique of sectional imaging in the training syllabus of oral and dental specialists and to initiate continuing medical training.