Diagnostic Yield of Dental Radiography and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for the Identification of Anatomic Structures in Cats

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of dental radiography (DR) and 3 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) methods for the identification of predefined anatomic structures in cats. For 5 feline cadaver heads and 22 client-owned cats admitted for evaluation and treatment of dental disease, a total of 22 predefined anatomic structures were evaluated separately by use of the DR method and 3 CBCT software modules [multiplanar reconstructions (MPR), tridimensional (3-D) rendering, and reconstructed panoramic views (Pano)]. A semi quantitative scoring system was used, and mean scores were calculated for each anatomic structure and imaging method. The Friedman test was used to evaluate values for significant differences in diagnostic yield. For values that were significant the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used with the Bonferroni-Holm multiple comparison adjustment to determine significant differences among each of the possible pairs of diagnostic methods. Differences of diagnostic yield among the DR and 3 CBCT methods were significant for 17 of 22 anatomic structures. For these structures, DR scores were significantly higher than scores for Pano views for 2 of 17 structures, but DR scores were significantly lower than scores for Pano views for 6 anatomic structures, tridimensional rendering for 10 anatomic structures, and MPR for 17 anatomic structures. In conclusion, it was found that CBCT methods were better suited than DR for the identification of anatomic structures in cats. Results of this study can serve as a basis for CBCT evaluation of dentoalveolar and other maxillofacial bony lesions in cats.

The Diagnostic Yield of Dental Radiography and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for the Identification of Dentoalveolar Lesions in Cats

“…Market penetration in the human field has been rapid, presumably because CBCT permits a paradigm shift in dental care due to its increased image accuracy, rapid scan time, radiation dose reduction, reduced image artifact, and availability of display modules unique to maxillofacial imaging, compared to conventional CT. Cone-beam computed tomography routinely used in human medicine, has recently become a viable and cost-effective diagnostic alternative that can identify several different types of dentoalveolar lesions in domestic animals (4). Previous studies, as well as part 1 of the present study, have documented its superiority to dental radiography for identifying numerous anatomic structures and dentoalveolar pathologies in domestic species (5–7).…”

“…Dental radiography (DR method) and 3 CBCT specialized software modules [reconstructed panoramic views (Pano method), tridimensional rendering (3-D method), and serial CBCT slices and multiplanar reconstructions (MPR method)] were evaluated separately for their usefulness in identification of 32 predefined dentoalveolar lesions (Table 1). Software manipulation for evaluation of the Pano, 3-D, and MPR methods was performed as described previously (5). Images were examined on medical grade flat-screen monitors (ASUS PB278Q 27-inch, ASUSTeK Computer Inc.) by use of commercially available specialized software (Metron-Dental 7.40.34.0, Epona Tech LCC; Anatomage Invivo5 dental application; Anatomage Inc.) Each method was scored separately for each dentoalveolar lesion by 1 observer (CH) who was trained and calibrated in image acquisition and interpretation by 2 board-certified veterinary dentists (BA and FJMV) and a board-certified human oral radiologist (DCH).…”

Temporomandibular Joint Gap Arthroplasty in Cats

“…In fact, conventional CT was shown to be superior to skull radiographs when identifying specific anatomical structures of the feline skull (14). Therefore, diagnostic imaging by means of CT or CBCT are considered the gold-standard imaging modalities (1,3,4,6,10,14,21).…”

“…In order to enhance the understanding of two-dimensional (2D) imaging, the use of CT and CBCT is recommended with the use of 3D rendering. The use of 3D rendering is essential to allow the clinician to have a thorough understanding of the involved anatomic structures, to document the extent of ankylosis, and to assess the skull and jaws for any other signs of trauma or congenital abnormalities (4,6,15,21). The use of CT or CBCT imaging can be employed to create a 3D printed model of the patient's skull, allowing the surgical team to precisely plan the sites of ostectomy (4,6,15).…”

Analysis of the Anatomic Relationship Between the Mandibular First Molar Roots and Mandibular Canal Using Cone-Beam Computed-Tomography in 101 Dogs

“…The use of threedimensional imaging allows for accurate assessment of tooth root shape and their association with nearby anatomic structures. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been shown to be an important tool for evaluation of three-dimensional relationships of dentoalveolar and maxillofacial structures (7,(17)(18)(19)(20). In human dentistry, CBCT has become more common in recent years due to ease of use and high spatial resolution (21).…”