title: Value of CBCT in vertical root fracture detection in endodontically-treated teeth.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vertical root fracture (VRF) is a diagnostic challenge for dentists. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans provide accurate three-dimensional images of teeth enabling detection of VRFs. This in-vivo study compared the accuracy of CBCT and exploratory surgery for detection of VRFs in endodontically-treated teeth.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty endodontically-treated teeth of 40 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of VRFs were evaluated. No fracture line was detectable on periapical radiographs. The CBCT scans with limited FOV were obtained of the teeth and inspected separately by a radiologist and two endodontists. Exploratory surgery was performed for all patients as part of their treatment to ensure the presence/absence of VRF (gold standard).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The kappa coefficient was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.59 to 0.84). The CBCT scans had 93% sensitivity, 78% specificity and 88% accuracy for detection of VRFs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results showed low specificity of CBCT imaging in detecting VRFs in endodontically-treated teeth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
authors.forename: Eshaghali
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Saberi
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran - nargesfarhadm@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Narges F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Mollashahi
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran.
authors.forename: Zeinab
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Movasagh
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
authors.forename: Alireza A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Moghaddam
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
authors.forename: Abbas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mohammadi
mesh_terms: D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*