Salivary calculus diagnosis with 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate cone-beam CT (CBCT) diagnoses of sialoliths in the major salivary glands.


METHODS
Twenty-nine CBCT images containing salivary calculi were retrospectively evaluated for image quality and artifact influence. Additionally, the reproducibility of calculus measurement and the differences between CBCT measurements and ultrasonography (US) and histomorphometry (HM) measurements were determined. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity calculations were based on the observations of 3 masked clinicians, who reviewed a total of 58 CBCT volumes.


RESULTS
Salivary calculi were sufficiently visualized in all patients. Metal artifacts were detected in images of 7 patients, and movement artifacts in 2. CBCT calculi measurements were highly reproducible, with mean differences of less than 350 microm. Mean CBCT measurements of calculi diameters differed from mean US measurements by approximately 500 microm and differed from mean HM measurements by approximately 1 mm. For calculus diagnoses, the mean sensitivity and specificity were both 98.85%.


CONCLUSIONS
Although poor image qualities and artifacts can reduce diagnostic information, salivary calculi can be evaluated adequately with CBCT. CBCT measurements of calculi are highly reproducible and differ little from measurements made with US and HM. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity levels with CBCT are as high as or higher than those obtained with other diagnostic methods. Because of its high diagnostic-information-to-radiation-dose ratio, CBCT is the preferable imaging modality for salivary calculus diagnosis.
Dreiseidler
Timo
T
Faculty Member, Department of Craniomaxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. timo.dreiseidler@uk-koeln.de
Ritter
Lutz
L
Rothamel
Daniel
D
Neugebauer
Jörg
J
Scheer
Martin
M
Mischkowski
Robert A
RA
D000328:Adult; D016477:Artifacts; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015494:Salivary Gland Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography