title: Classification and volumetric analysis of temporal bone pneumatization using cone beam computed tomography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study performed volumetric analysis and classified different repeated patterns of temporal bone pneumatization in adults using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 155 temporal bones were retrospectively evaluated from 78 patients with no radiographic evidence of pathology. Two reference structures were used to classify temporal bone pneumatization into 3 groups. Volumetric analysis of the pneumatization was performed using a window thresholding procedure on multiplanar CBCT images. Correlation between direct communication of peritubal cells with the eustachian tube and the degree of pneumatization was also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using 2 reference structures, pneumatization pattern in the temporal bone can be classified into 3 groups. Statistically significant differences were present in their mean volumes between 3 groups. Statistically significant correlation was found between degree of pneumatization and presence of peritubal cells associated with ET.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that CBCT can be effectively used for imaging temporal bone air cavities and for volumetric assessment.
authors: Resident, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA. Electronic address: dr.aniket.jadhav@gmail.com.
authors: Aniket B
authors: AB
authors: Jadhav
authors: Professor and Chair, Division of Diagnostic Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA.
authors: Douglas
authors: D
authors: Fellows
authors: Professor, Department of Craniofacial Sciences and Cell Biology; Assistant Dean for Medical and Graduate Education, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
authors: Arthur R
authors: AR
authors: Hand
authors: Assistant Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
authors: Aditya
authors: A
authors: Tadinada
authors: Chair, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences; Chair, Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
authors: Alan G
authors: AG
authors: Lurie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000388:Air; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011029:Pneumoradiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology