Andrea Giorgianni MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Gianpaolo Carrafiello, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sabina Strocchi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Vittoria Colli, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Aldo Macchi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carlo Fugazzola, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Aim of this work is to compare the performances of a Xoran Technologies i-CAT Cone Beam CT for dental applications with those of a standard total body multislice CT (Toshiba Aquilion 64 multislice) used for dental examinations.

Image quality and doses to patients have been compared for the 20 second i-CAT protocol and the Toshiba modified protocol. Images of 10 patients and Alderson RandoÒ anthropomorphic phantom have been acquired. Clinical image quality was assessed by two different radiologists.The tooth and surrounding tissue conditions selected for evaluation were enamel, dentin, pulp cavity, periodontal ligament space and lamina dura. The overall image was then evaluated. Icat images was compared with MDCT images for image quality using a subjective 5 level scale Effective dose and doses to main head and neck organs were evaluated by means of thermo-luminescent dosimeters (TLD-100) placed in the anthropomorphic phantom.

The evaluated effective doses range from 0.11 mSv (i-CAT 20 s protocol) to 2.37 mSv (Toshiba standard protocol). The Toshiba modified protocol (halved tube current, higher pitch value) imparts lower effective dose (0.99 mSv). Icat is superior in image quality than MDCT for lamina dura, pulp cavity, enamel,demtin. Icat is equal in quality for cancellous bone. Icat is inferior in image quality than MDCT for overall image.

Dental volumetric CT supplies adequate image quality to clinical purposes, at doses that are really lower than those imparted by a conventional CT device.

cone beam computer tomography and conventional computer tomography: a comparision of image quality and radiation dose

Giorgianni, A, Carrafiello, G, Strocchi, S, Colli, V, Macchi, A, Fugazzola, C, Cone Beam Computer Tomography and Conventional Computer Tomography: A Comparision of Image Quality and Radiation Dose.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5013018.html