Image quality analysis to reduce dental artifacts in head and neck imaging with dual-source computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Dental implants frequently cause metallic artifacts in medical imaging.
• These artifacts can obscure important oropharyngeal structures in neck CT scans.
• Dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) is a common imaging modality for the neck.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs) versus an angulated spiral technique in reducing dental artifacts in DSCT of the neck.
• To evaluate the impact of these techniques on the image quality of oropharyngeal structures.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-two patients undergoing DSCT neck imaging were analyzed.
• Image quality was assessed using both MPRs from axial datasets and an additional short spiral acquired parallel to the mouth floor.
• Anatomical structures were evaluated for artifact severity on a scale of 1 (least) to 4 (most).

Main Results:

• MPRs resulted in significant artifacts in 87.1% of anatomical structures (mean score 3.12 +/- 0.86).
• The angulated spiral technique showed negligible artifacts in leading oropharyngeal structures (mean score 1.28 +/- 0.46).
• The reduction in artifact severity with angulated slices was statistically significant (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• MPRs are insufficient for adequately reducing dental artifacts in DSCT of the neck.
• An additional short angulated spiral, parallel to the floor of the mouth, is recommended for routine use in patients with dental implants.
• Utilizing a flexible head holder is crucial due to the static gantry design of DSCT.