Cinematic rendering in cone-beam computed tomography: A clinical and observer-based evaluation

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Dental Imaging
• 3D Visualization Techniques

Background:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is crucial for dental diagnostics and treatment planning.
• Three-dimensional (3D) visualization techniques like volume rendering (VR) and cinematic rendering (CR) aid in interpreting CBCT data.
• Comparing the clinical utility of VR and CR in CBCT is essential for optimizing diagnostic workflows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare volume rendering (VR) and cinematic rendering (CR) for CBCT-based 3D visualization.
• To evaluate perceived image quality, distance estimation accuracy, and treatment planning impact.
• To assess the practical applicability of VR and CR within clinical workflows.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen CBCT cases across five dental categories were reconstructed using VR and CR.
• 110 observers rated visual realism, 3D perception, detail sharpness, and treatment planning impact.
• Observers also estimated a reference distance, and reconstruction/export times were recorded.

Main Results:

• Cinematic rendering (CR) significantly outperformed volume rendering (VR) in visual realism, 3D perception, and detail sharpness.
• Distance estimation error was slightly lower with CR, but not statistically significant.
• CR showed a statistically significant perceived treatment planning impact in surgical/maxillofacial cases, but not overall.

Conclusions:

• CR markedly improves perceived image quality in CBCT 3D visualizations compared to VR.
• CR's contribution to measurement accuracy was limited, but its perceived treatment planning impact is notable in specific surgical applications.
• Longer export times for CR suggest its use as an adjunctive tool alongside VR, rather than a replacement, for selected CBCT cases.