Cone beam computed tomography – Measuring image quality of paranasal sinus imaging. A low-radiation alternative to conventional computed tomography ?

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease of the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses with a substantial prevalence of up to 10 % in individuals of European descent. Imaging studies, especially computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses (PS-CT) is often repeatedly performed in these patients, exposing them to significant doses of radiation. PS-CT is used in diagnosis and, owing to the complex anatomy of the paranasal sinuses, in planning of therapeutic surgical procedures. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) is an imaging modality used predominately in oral and dental surgery, owing to its poor tissue contrast. However, CBCT of the paranasal sinuses (PS-CBCT) has been shown to expose patients to 30-40 % less radiation than PS-CT. The aim of our study was to investigate, whether PS-CBCT has comparable image quality and spatial resolution to PS-CT.

Methods PS-CT and PS-CBCT were performed at our institution using a phantom model. Image reconstruction was performed using RadiAnt Viewer®. Image quality was rated separately by our otolaryngologists. Spatial resolution and tissue contrast were given special consideration.

Results Image quality of PS-CBCT was non-inferior to PS-CT. Standardized measurements showed no significant deviation of anatomical structures. With all tested presets of PS-CBCT (low/medium/high resolution), the absorbed dose of radiation was less than with PS-CT.

Conclusion The results of our phantom model were generally concordant with existing literature. We conclude from our observations that PS-CBCT may be a good alternative to PS-CT, especially in patients with CRS, who often undergo PS-CT repeatedly. However, more clinical studies are needed to clarify the role of PS-CBCT in clinical practice.

Poster-PDF A-1792.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020