Evaluation of skin doses for cone-beam computed tomography in dentomaxillofacial imaging: A preclinical study.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of skin organ doses in six different cone-beam computed tomography scanners (CBCT) dedicated to dentomaxillofacial imaging. Our hypothesis is that the dose varies between different devices, protocols and skin areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anthropomorphic adult head and neck phantom was used to which a dosimeter (Waterproof Farmer® Chamber, PTW, Freiburg, Germany) was attached to anatomic landmarks of both parotid glands, both ocular lenses, the thyroid gland and the neurocranium. CBCT examinations were performed on six different CBCT devices dedicated to dentomaxillofacial imaging with standard settings and, if available, also in high dose settings. Measurements were repeated five times each. RESULTS: The measured mean skin doses ranged from 0.48 to 2.21 mGy. The comparison of the region based dose evaluation showed a high correlation between the single measurements. Furthermore, the distribution of doses between regions was similar in all devices, except that four devices showed side differences for the dose of the parotid region and one device showed side differences for the lens region. The directly exposed regions, such as the parotid glands, showed significant higher values than the more distant regions like the neurocranium. When comparing examination protocols, a significant difference between the standard dose and the high dose acquisitions could be detected. But also a significant dose difference between the different CBCTs could be shown. 3D Accuitomo 170 (Morita, Osaka, Japan) showed the highest absorbed mean dose value for standard settings with 2.21 mGy, especially at the directly exposed regions and their adjacent organs. The lowest mean value for standard settings was achieved with VGi evo (NewTom, Verona, Italy) with 0.48 mGy. CONCLUSION: Repeated measurements of skin organ doses in six different CBCT scanners using a surface dosimeter showed side differences in distribution of dose in five devices for the parotid and lens region. Additionally, significant dose differences between the devices could be detected. Further studies should be performed to confirm these results.

Comparing the diagnostic performance of radiation dose-equivalent radiography, multi-detector computed tomography and cone beam computed tomography for finger fractures - A phantom study.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performance and raters´confidence of radiography, radiography equivalent dose multi-detector computed tomography (RED-MDCT) and radiography equivalent dose cone beam computed tomography (RED-CBCT) for finger fractures. METHODS: Fractures were inflicted artificially and randomly to 10 cadaveric hands of body donors. Radiography as well as RED-MDCT and RED-CBCT imaging were performed at dose settings equivalent to radiography. Images were de-identified and analyzed by three radiologists regarding finger fractures, joint involvement and confidence with their findings. Reference standard was consensus reading by two radiologists of the fracturing protocol and high-dose multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) images. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated and compared with Cochrane´s Q and post hoc analysis. Rater´s confidence was calculated with Friedman Test and post hoc Nemenyi Test. RESULTS: Rater´s confidence, inter-rater correlation, specificity for fractures and joint involvement were higher in RED-MDCT and RED-CBCT compared to radiography. No differences between the modalities were found regarding sensitivity. CONCLUSION: In this phantom study, radiography equivalent dose computed tomography (RED-CT) demonstrates a partly higher diagnostic accuracy than radiography. Implementing RED-CT in the diagnostic work-up of finger fractures could improve diagnostics, support correct classification and adequate treatment. Clinical studies should be performed to confirm these preliminary results.