Comparison of spatial and contrast resolution for cone-beam computed tomography scanners.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to evaluate the perceived spatial and contrast resolution for a wide range of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) devices.


METHODS
A customized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom was developed. Inserts containing a line-pair and rod pattern were used. The phantom was scanned with 13 CBCT devices and 1 multislice CT (MSCT) device using a variety of scanning protocols. The images were presented to 4 observers for scoring.


RESULTS
The observer scores showed excellent agreement. A wide range was seen in image quality between CBCT exposure protocols. Compared with the average CBCT scores, the MSCT protocols scored lower for the line-pair insert but higher for the rod insert.


CONCLUSIONS
CBCT devices are generally suitable for the visualization of high-contrast structures. Certain exposure protocols can be used for depicting low-contrast structures or fine details. The user should be able to select appropriate exposure protocols according to varying diagnostic requirements.
Oral Imaging Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. ruben.pauwels@med.kuleuven.be
Ruben
R
Pauwels
Jilke
J
Beinsberger
Harry
H
Stamatakis
Kostas
K
Tsiklakis
Adrian
A
Walker
Hilde
H
Bosmans
Ria
R
Bogaerts
Reinhilde
R
Jacobs
Keith
K
Horner
D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed