Frequency and types of incidental findings on limited field of view CBCT scans

The objective of this retrospective study was to identify and categorize incidental findings (IFs) discovered on limited field of view (LFOV) cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans of the maxillofacial region. The sequential LFOV CBCT radiology reports created by 2 board-certified radiologists from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. The CBCT scans were acquired for implant site evaluation. Incidental findings of pathologic or anatomical defects were categorized as endodontic, periodontal, sinus-related, nonodontogenic, or other concerns. Of 474 radiology reports that were evaluated, 244 (51.5%) recorded at least 1 detectable IF. Fifty-one of these 244 (10.8% of the total sample) recorded that multiple IFs were detected on a single CBCT scan. On 3 reports, 3 IFs were detected, while the remaining 48 reports showed 2 IFs. More than half of the 295 unique IFs were categorized as endodontic or sinus-related concerns. The majority (70.5%) of IFs were recommended for referral or additional treatment. The results indicate that the use of a CBCT system with an LFOV does not diminish the need to conduct a thorough evaluation of the images.