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Texture analysis in cone-beam computed tomographic images of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Polyane Mazucatto Queiroz1,2, Karolina Castilho Fardim2, André Luiz Ferreira Costa3
1Department of Dentistry, Ingá University Center, Maringá, Brazil.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the trabecular bone through texture analysis and compare the texture analysis characteristics of different areas in patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).
Materials And Methods:
Cone-beam computed tomographic images of 16 patients diagnosed with MRONJ were used. In sagittal images, 3 regions were chosen: active osteonecrosis (AO); intermediate tissue (IT), which presented a zone of apparently healthy tissue adjacent to the AO area; and healthy bone tissue (HT) (control area). Texture analysis was performed evaluating 7 parameters: secondary angular momentum, contrast, correlation, sum of squares, inverse moment of difference, sum of entropies, and entropy. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test with a significance level of 5%.
Results:
Comparing the areas of AO, IT, and HT, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed. The IT and AO area images showed higher values for parameters such as contrast, entropy, and secondary angular momentum than the HT area, indicating greater disorder in these tissues.
Conclusion:
Through texture analysis, changes in the bone pattern could be observed in areas of osteonecrosis. The texture analysis demonstrated that areas visually identified and classified as IT still had necrotic tissue, thereby increasing the accuracy of delimiting the real extension of MRONJ.
Insights
Texture analysis of jawbone in medication-related osteonecrosis (MRONJ) revealed significant bone pattern changes. This technique accurately identifies necrotic tissue, improving the diagnosis of MRONJ extension.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dental Imaging
Background:
- Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious condition affecting bone health.
- Accurate assessment of MRONJ extent is crucial for effective treatment planning.
- Trabecular bone changes in MRONJ are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate trabecular bone changes in patients with MRONJ using texture analysis.
- To compare texture characteristics across active osteonecrosis, intermediate, and healthy bone tissue areas.
Main Methods:
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from 16 MRONJ patients were analyzed.
- Texture analysis was applied to three regions: active osteonecrosis (AO), intermediate tissue (IT), and healthy tissue (HT).
- Seven texture parameters were evaluated, and data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Main Results:
- Significant differences (P<0.05) in texture parameters were found between AO, IT, and HT areas.
- The IT and AO areas exhibited higher contrast, entropy, and secondary angular momentum compared to HT.
- These findings indicate increased tissue disorder in areas affected by MRONJ.
Conclusions:
- Texture analysis effectively detects alterations in the trabecular bone pattern associated with MRONJ.
- This imaging technique can identify necrotic tissue in areas visually appearing as intermediate, enhancing MRONJ extent delimitation.
- Texture analysis offers a valuable tool for improving the diagnostic accuracy of MRONJ.
