Reporting findings in the cone beam computed tomography volume

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cone beam CT (CBCT) is a prevalent imaging modality used by dental professionals globally.
• CBCT captures detailed volumetric data of the head and neck region.
• Clinicians must interpret the entire scan volume to identify all depicted anatomy and potential pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify common anatomical structures visualized in CBCT scans.
• To highlight frequently encountered abnormalities within these anatomical regions.
• To provide a reference for clinicians regarding necessary referrals for detected abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Review of common anatomical entities within typical CBCT scan volumes.
• Identification and categorization of prevalent abnormalities found in head and neck CBCT imaging.
• Literature review and synthesis of established diagnostic criteria for referred conditions.

Main Results:

• Detailed descriptions of key anatomical structures in the head and neck are presented.
• Commonly observed pathologies and incidental findings are cataloged.
• Guidelines for recognizing and referring abnormalities are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive understanding of CBCT anatomy is crucial for accurate interpretation.
• Familiarity with common abnormalities aids in timely diagnosis and patient management.
• This article serves as a valuable resource for dental practitioners utilizing CBCT technology.