Clinical Significance and a Review of Incidental Findings in CBCT
AUTHORS
Suvendra Vijayan * Assistant Professor , Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology Department of Diagnostic Sciences University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Ellen F Piehl * University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Elizabeth Ann Bilodeau Associate Professor , Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology Director , UDHS Oral Pathology Laboratory Department of Diagnostic Sciences University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Anitha Potluri Associate Professor and Chair , Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology Director , Oral Maxillofacial Radiology & International Advance Standing Admissions Department of Diagnostic Sciences University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
* Both authors have equal contributions .
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Suvendra Vijayan Assistant Professor , Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology Department of Diagnostic Sciences 3501 Terrace St , G119 Salk Hall , University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Pittsburgh , PA 15213 suv16 @ pitt . edu
KEYWORDS Cone beam computed tomography , incidental findings , diagnosis , clinical assessment , panoramic radiography .
ABSTRACT
Objective : The use of cone beam computed tomography ( CBCT ) in dentistry has increased tremendously since its introduction . Some of the benefits of CBCT include high quality 3D images , relatively low cost and low radiation doses compared to medical computed tomography . Due to the accuracy and image quality of CBCT images , it has become an important adjunct for assessment of trauma , surgical planning , and pathology diagnosis .
With the proliferation of CBCT images in a variety of dental settings , from general practitioners to specialists , it has become imperative that all dentists are familiar with all aspects of CBCT image interpretation . The standard of care dictates that a dentist who prescribes the CBCT is responsible for interpreting the whole image . Therefore , dentists should be able to identify and interpret not only the dentoalveolar complex but also the surrounding anatomic structures and incidental findings .
Data source / study selection : Relevant images from cases that are part of the practice was used to showcase different findings .
Conclusion : Any atypical or pathological findings in a radiograph that was no related to the purpose of the radiograph can be considered an incidental finding . Based on the current literature , there is a high rate of these incidental findings . Many of these incidental findings need no further evaluation , but some can have significant clinical consequences . This paper will highlight some common incidental findings but will not address incidentally detected neoplasms . It will discuss the appearance and location of these findings on cone beam computed tomography images and their clinical significance .
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Incidental findings , with considerable variations , are frequently seen in CBCT imaging . While many are asymptomatic there exist a possibility for more serious issues to be present and the practitioner must be able to detect , diagnose , and appropriately refer the patient for further evaluation , as needed .
24 MAY / JUNE 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL