Volumetric correlation of periapical lesion with Orstavik's periapical index: A retrospective cone-beam computed tomographic study.

AIM

To assess the correlation among cone-beam computed tomographic periapical volume index (CBCTPAVI) and periapical lesion volume with Orstavik's periapical index (PAI).

METHODOLOGY

Seventy-six cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) and periapical radiographic images of single-rooted teeth presenting with apical periodontitis from 42 patients were obtained from a period of March 2023 to April 2024. Two observers evaluated the periapical radiographs and assigned PAI scores. CBCTPAVI was allocated based on the volume of the lesion, which was computed using ITK-SNAP software. Spearman's correlation coefficient was employed to evaluate the association between CBCTPAVI and lesion volume with PAI.

RESULTS

A significant and moderate positive relationship between PAI and lesion volume (ρ = 0.553, < 0.001) as well as between PAI and CBCTPAVI (ρ = 0.506; < 0.001) was observed.

CONCLUSION

The risk of under/overestimation of results on two-dimensional periapical radiographs exists, despite a favorable connection with volumetric assessment of CBCT images.