For positioning a moving target, a maximum intensity projection (MIP) or average intensity projection (AIP) image derived from 4DCT is often used as the reference image which is matched to free breathing cone-beam CT ...For positioning a moving target, a maximum intensity projection (MIP) or average intensity projection (AIP) image derived from 4DCT is often used as the reference image which is matched to free breathing cone-beam CT (FBCBCT) before treatment. This method can be highly accurate if the respiratory motion of the patient is stable. However, a patient’s breathing pattern is often irregular. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of irregular respiration on positioning accuracy for a moving target aligned with FBCBCT. Nine patients’ respiratory motion curves were selected to drive a Quasar motion phantom with one embedded cubic and two spherical targets. A 4DCT of the phantom was acquired on a CT scanner (Philips Brilliance 16) equipped with a Varian RPM system. The phase binned 4DCT images and the corresponding MIP and AIP images were transferred into Eclipse for analysis. FBCBCTs of the phantom driven by the same respiratory curves were also acquired on a Varian TrueBeam and fused such that both CBCT and MIP/AIP images share the same target zero positions. The sphere and cube volumes and centroid differences (alignment error) determined by MIP, AIP and FBCBCT images were calculated, respectively. Compared to the volume determined by MIP, the volumes of the cube, large sphere, and small sphere in AIP and FBCBCT images were smaller. The alignment errors for the cube, large sphere and small sphere with center to center matches between MIP and FBCBCT were 2.5 ± 1.8 mm, 2.4 ± 2.1 mm, and 3.8 ± 2.8 mm, and the alignment errors between AIP and FBCBCT were 0.5 ± 1.1 mm, 0.3 ± 0.8 mm, and 1.8 ± 2.0 mm, respectively. AIP images appear to be superior reference images to MIP images. However, irregular respiratory pattern could compromise the positioning accuracy, especially for smaller targets.展开更多
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 ap...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.展开更多
The wide availability, low radiation dose and short acquisition time of Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) scans make them an attractive source of data for compiling databases of anatomical structures. However CBCT has higher noise ...The wide availability, low radiation dose and short acquisition time of Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) scans make them an attractive source of data for compiling databases of anatomical structures. However CBCT has higher noise and lower contrast than helical slice CT, which makes segmentation more challenging and the optimal methods are not yet known. This paper evaluates several methods of segmenting airway geometries (nares, nasal cavities and pharynx) from typical dental quality head and neck CBCT data. The nasal cavity has narrow and intricate passages and is separated from the paranasal sinuses by thin walls, making it is susceptible to either over- or under-segmentation. The upper airway was split into two: the nasal cavity and the pharyngeal region (nasopharynx to larynx). Each part was segmented using global thresholding, multi-step level-set, and region competition methods (the latter using thresholding, clustering and classification initialisation and edge attraction techniques). The segmented 3D surfaces were evaluated against a reference manual segmentation using distance-, overlap- and volume-based metrics. Global thresholding, multi-step level-set, and region competition all gave satisfactory results for the lower part of the airway (nasopharynx to larynx). Edge attraction failed completely. A semi-automatic region-growing segmentation with multi-thresholding (or classification) initialization offered the best quality segmentation. With some minimal manual editing, it resulted in an accurate upper airway model, as judged by the similarity and volumetric indices, while being the least time consuming of the semi-automatic methods, and relying the least on the operator’s expertise.展开更多
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 o...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.展开更多
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 dimens...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.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
This paper reported a case of fusion between an impacted third molar and a supernumerary tooth, in which a surgical intervention was carried out, with the objective of removing the dental elements. The panoramic radio...This paper reported a case of fusion between an impacted third molar and a supernumerary tooth, in which a surgical intervention was carried out, with the objective of removing the dental elements. The panoramic radiography was complemented by the Donovan＇s radiographic technique; but because of the proximity of the dental element to the mandibular ramus, it was not possible to have a final fusion diagnosis. Hence, the Cone-Beam Computed Tomography--which provides precise three- dimensional information--was used to determinate the fusion diagnosis and also to help in the surgical planning. In this case report we observed that the periapical, occlusal and panoramic were not able to show details which could only be examined through the cone-beam computed tomo- graphy.展开更多
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...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.展开更多
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. Howe...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.展开更多
文摘For positioning a moving target, a maximum intensity projection (MIP) or average intensity projection (AIP) image derived from 4DCT is often used as the reference image which is matched to free breathing cone-beam CT (FBCBCT) before treatment. This method can be highly accurate if the respiratory motion of the patient is stable. However, a patient’s breathing pattern is often irregular. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of irregular respiration on positioning accuracy for a moving target aligned with FBCBCT. Nine patients’ respiratory motion curves were selected to drive a Quasar motion phantom with one embedded cubic and two spherical targets. A 4DCT of the phantom was acquired on a CT scanner (Philips Brilliance 16) equipped with a Varian RPM system. The phase binned 4DCT images and the corresponding MIP and AIP images were transferred into Eclipse for analysis. FBCBCTs of the phantom driven by the same respiratory curves were also acquired on a Varian TrueBeam and fused such that both CBCT and MIP/AIP images share the same target zero positions. The sphere and cube volumes and centroid differences (alignment error) determined by MIP, AIP and FBCBCT images were calculated, respectively. Compared to the volume determined by MIP, the volumes of the cube, large sphere, and small sphere in AIP and FBCBCT images were smaller. The alignment errors for the cube, large sphere and small sphere with center to center matches between MIP and FBCBCT were 2.5 ± 1.8 mm, 2.4 ± 2.1 mm, and 3.8 ± 2.8 mm, and the alignment errors between AIP and FBCBCT were 0.5 ± 1.1 mm, 0.3 ± 0.8 mm, and 1.8 ± 2.0 mm, respectively. AIP images appear to be superior reference images to MIP images. However, irregular respiratory pattern could compromise the positioning accuracy, especially for smaller targets.
文摘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.
文摘The wide availability, low radiation dose and short acquisition time of Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) scans make them an attractive source of data for compiling databases of anatomical structures. However CBCT has higher noise and lower contrast than helical slice CT, which makes segmentation more challenging and the optimal methods are not yet known. This paper evaluates several methods of segmenting airway geometries (nares, nasal cavities and pharynx) from typical dental quality head and neck CBCT data. The nasal cavity has narrow and intricate passages and is separated from the paranasal sinuses by thin walls, making it is susceptible to either over- or under-segmentation. The upper airway was split into two: the nasal cavity and the pharyngeal region (nasopharynx to larynx). Each part was segmented using global thresholding, multi-step level-set, and region competition methods (the latter using thresholding, clustering and classification initialisation and edge attraction techniques). The segmented 3D surfaces were evaluated against a reference manual segmentation using distance-, overlap- and volume-based metrics. Global thresholding, multi-step level-set, and region competition all gave satisfactory results for the lower part of the airway (nasopharynx to larynx). Edge attraction failed completely. A semi-automatic region-growing segmentation with multi-thresholding (or classification) initialization offered the best quality segmentation. With some minimal manual editing, it resulted in an accurate upper airway model, as judged by the similarity and volumetric indices, while being the least time consuming of the semi-automatic methods, and relying the least on the operator’s expertise.
文摘目的:主观评价和客观评估不同成像参数下CBCT的图像质量,分析图像质量的主观评价和客观评价间的关系。方法:分别采用6台不同品牌CBCT扫描仪〔3D Accuitomo(Morita)、i-CAT(Kavo)、5G(NewTom)、Smart3D(北京朗视)、DCT Pro(Vatech)、VGi(NewTom)〕,在各个品牌的典型曝光条件下(电压和电流强度不同)扫描空间分辨率模体和高仿真头模,7位医师对拍摄的CBCT图像进行主观评价打分,比较不同CBCT扫描仪的空间分辨率和对常见口腔解剖结构的可见性。客观评价指标采用各仪器所获的图像空间分辩率(LP/mm)。结果:7位医师的组内一致性和组间一致性均无显著性差异。主观评价New Tom 5G为2分,i-CAT为5分,其余4个品牌匀为4分,客观评价i-CAT的LP/mm为1.8,Smart3D为2.0,其余4个品牌为1.0~1.7。在相同管电流条件下,不同管电压的图像主观质量有显著性差异。在相同管电压条件下,不同管电流的图像主观质量有显著性差异。结论:图像质量的主客观评价具有一定的一致性,不同品牌之间的客观评价差异可能与电压、电流强度不同有关。
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘This paper reported a case of fusion between an impacted third molar and a supernumerary tooth, in which a surgical intervention was carried out, with the objective of removing the dental elements. The panoramic radiography was complemented by the Donovan＇s radiographic technique; but because of the proximity of the dental element to the mandibular ramus, it was not possible to have a final fusion diagnosis. Hence, the Cone-Beam Computed Tomography--which provides precise three- dimensional information--was used to determinate the fusion diagnosis and also to help in the surgical planning. In this case report we observed that the periapical, occlusal and panoramic were not able to show details which could only be examined through the cone-beam computed tomo- graphy.
基金supported by Scientific Research Foundation for Returned Scholars of the Ministry of Education of China (No. 245027)the Science and Technology Planning Program of Guangdong Province (No. 2006B35801004)
文摘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.
文摘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.
