OMFS IMPATH Research Group, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Sci Rep. 2023 Apr 17;13(1):6266. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-33322-9.
Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is an innovative technological advancement in relation to x-ray detectors which offers ultra-high-resolution images. The current study aimed to evaluate the visualization ability of PCCT compared to cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) devices for challenging endodontic diagnostic tasks. A reference image of an anthropomorphic phantom was acquired using an industrial micro-CT device. Thereafter, the phantom was scanned with three imaging devices, which included PCCT scanner (NAEOTOM Alpha) and two CBCT devices (3D Accuitomo 170 and NewTom VGi evo) having standard and high-resolution acquisition protocols. The diagnostic tasks involved visualizing fine endodontic structures (apical delta, narrow canal, and isthmus) and root cracks. Three experienced examiners assessed the images and were blinded to the PCCT and CBCT devices. Each image was rated according to a three-grade scale (appropriate, acceptable, or inappropriate) for the diagnostic tasks. In relation to fine endodontic structures grouped together, PCCT showed similar diagnostic performance compared to the reference image (p > 0.05). As for the CBCT devices, an excellent performance was only observed with the 3D Accuitomo 170 device at a high-resolution acquisition mode (p > 0.05). The visualization of root cracks was also better with 3D Accuitomo 170 compared to other devices (p < 0.05). Overall, PCCT and 3D Accuitomo 170 at a high-resolution setting showed similar performance for visualizing fine endodontic structures. In addition, the high-resolution CBCT protocol was superior for visualizing root cracks compared to both PCCT and other standard- and high-resolution CBCT protocols.
光子计数计算机断层扫描（PCCT）是一种与 X 射线探测器相关的创新技术进步，可提供超高分辨率图像。本研究旨在评估 PCCT 与锥形束计算机断层扫描（CBCT）设备相比在具有挑战性的根管诊断任务中的可视化能力。使用工业微 CT 设备获取了仿体的参考图像。然后，使用三种成像设备对该仿体进行了扫描，这三种设备包括 PCCT 扫描仪（NAEOTOM Alpha）和两种具有标准和高分辨率采集协议的 CBCT 设备（3D Accuitomo 170 和 NewTom VGi evo）。诊断任务包括可视化精细根管结构（根尖三角区、狭窄根管和峡部）和根裂。三名经验丰富的检查者评估了图像，并对 PCCT 和 CBCT 设备一无所知。根据三级量表（适当、可接受或不适当）对每个图像进行了诊断任务的评分。对于分组在一起的精细根管结构，PCCT 与参考图像相比显示出相似的诊断性能（p＞0.05）。对于 CBCT 设备，仅在高分辨率采集模式下的 3D Accuitomo 170 设备上观察到出色的性能（p＞0.05）。与其他设备相比，3D Accuitomo 170 还更好地显示了根裂（p＜0.05）。总体而言，PCCT 和 3D Accuitomo 170 在高分辨率设置下对于可视化精细根管结构具有相似的性能。此外，与 PCCT 和其他标准和高分辨率 CBCT 方案相比，高分辨率 CBCT 方案更有利于显示根裂。
