Cone Beam Computed Tomography is a technology to visualize the 3D interior anatomy of a patient. It is important for image-guided radiation therapy in cancer treatment. During a scan, iterative methods are often used for the image reconstruction step. A key challenge is the ill-posedness of the resulting inversion problem, causing the images to become noisy. To combat this, regularizers can be introduced, which help stabilize the problem. This thesis focuses on Adversarial Convex Regularization that with deep learning regularize the scans according to a target image quality. It can be interpreted in a Bayesian setting by letting the regularizer be the prior, approximating the likelihood with the measurement error, and obtaining the patient image through the maximum-a-posteriori estimate. Adversarial Convex Regularization has previously shown promising results in regular Computed Tomography, and this study aims to investigate its potential in Cone Beam Computed Tomography.  Three different learned regularization methods have been developed, all based on Convolutional Neural Network architectures. One model is based on three-dimensional convolutional layers, while the remaining two rely on 2D layers. These two are in a later stage crafted to be applicable to 3D reconstruction by either stacking a 2D model or by averaging 2D models trained in three orthogonal planes. All neural networks are trained on simulated male pelvis data provided by Elekta. The 3D convolutional neural network model has proven to be heavily memory-consuming, while not performing better than current reconstruction methods with respect to image quality. The two architectures based on merging multiple 2D neural network gradients for 3D reconstruction are novel contributions that avoid memory issues. These two models outperform current methods in terms of multiple image quality metrics, such as Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Structural Similarity Index Measure, and they also generalize well for real Cone Beam Computed Tomography data. Additionally, the architecture based on a weighted average of 2D neural networks is able to capture spatial interactions to a larger extent and is adjustable to favor the plane that best shows the field of interest, a possibly desirable feature in medical practice. / Volymtomografi kan användas inom cancerbehandling för att skapa bilder av patientens inre anatomi i 3D som sedan används vid stråldosplanering. Under den rekonstruerande fasen i en skanning används ofta iterativa metoder. En utmaning är att det resulterande inversionsproblemet är illa ställt, vilket leder till att bilderna blir brusiga. För att motverka detta kan regularisering introduceras som bidrar till att stabilisera problemet. Fokus för denna uppsats är Adversarial Convex Regularization som baserat på djupinlärning regulariserar bilderna enligt en målbildskvalitet. Detta kan även tolkas ur ett Bayesianskt perspektiv genom att betrakta regulariseraren som apriorifördelningen, approximera likelihoodfördelningen med mätfelet samt erhålla patientbilden genom maximum-a-posteriori-skattningen. Adversarial Convex Regularization har tidigare visat lovande resultat för data från Datortomografi och syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka dess potential för Volymtomografi.  Tre olika inlärda regulariseringsmetoder har utvecklats med hjälp av faltningsnätverk. En av modellerna bygger på faltning av tredimensionella lager, medan de återstående två är baserade på 2D-lager. Dessa två sammanförs i ett senare skede för att kunna appliceras vid 3D-rekonstruktion, antingen genom att stapla 2D modeller eller genom att beräkna ett viktat medelvärde av tre 2D-modeller som tränats i tre ortogonala plan. Samtliga modeller är tränade på simulerad manlig bäckendata från Elekta. 3D-faltningsnätverket har visat sig vara minneskrävande samtidigt som det inte presterar bättre än nuvarande rekonstruktionsmetoder med avseende på bildkvalitet. De andra två metoderna som bygger på att stapla flera gradienter av 2D-nätverk vid 3D-rekonstruktion är ett nytt vetenskapligt bidrag och undviker minnesproblemen. Dessa två modeller överträffar nuvarande metoder gällande flera bildkvalitetsmått och generaliserar även väl för data från verklig Volymtomografi. Dessutom lyckas modellen som bygger på ett viktat medelvärde av 2D-nätverk i större utsträckning fånga spatiala interaktioner. Den kan även anpassas till att gynna det plan som bäst visar intresseområdet i kroppen, vilket möjligtvis är en önskvärd egenskap i medicinska sammanhang.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / This PhD thesis, addresses the issue of evaluation of cone beam computed tomography, CBCT, scanning protocols, was introduced in dental radiology at the end of the 1990s, and it quickly became a fundamental examination for various procedures. Its main characteristic, the difference of medical CT is the beam shape. This study aimed to calculate the absorbed dose in eight tissues / organs of the head and neck, and to estimate the effective dose in 13 protocols and two techniques (stitched FOV e single FOV) of 5 equipment of different manufacturers of cone beam CT. For that purpose, a female anthropomorphic phantom was used, representing a default woman, in which were inserted thermoluminescent dosimeters at several points, representing organs / tissues with weighting values presented in the standard ICRP 103. The results were evaluated by comparing the dose according to the purpose of the tomographic image. Among the results, there is a difference up to 325% in the effective dose in relation to protocols with the same image goal. In relation to the image acquisition technique, the stitched FOV technique resulted in an effective dose of 5.3 times greater than the single FOV technique for protocols with the same image goal. In the individual contribution, the salivary glands are responsible for 31% of the effective dose in CT exams. The remaining tissues have also a significant contribution, 36%. The results drew attention to the need of estimating the effective dose in different equipment and protocols of the market, besides the knowledge of the radiation parameters and equipment manufacturing engineering to obtain the image. / Na presente tese de doutoramento foi abordada a temática da avaliação de protocolos de exame de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico - TCFC, que foi iniciada na radiologia odontológica no fim da década de 1990 e rapidamente tornou-se um exame fundamental para diversos procedimentos. Sua principal característica, que a diferencia da tomografia computadorizada médica, é a forma do feixe. Assim, este estudo objetivou calcular a dose absorvida em 8 tecidos/órgãos da cabeça e pescoço e estimar a dose efetiva em 13 protocolos e duas técnicas (stitched FOV e single FOV) de 5 equipamentos diferentes fabricantes de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico. Para isto, foi utilizado um simulador antropomórfico feminino, representando uma mulher padrão, onde foram inseridos dosímetros termoluminescentes em diversos pontos, representando órgãos e tecidos com valores de ponderação apresentados na norma ICRP 103. Os resultados foram avaliados, comparando-se a dose de acordo com o objetivo da imagem tomográfica. Dentre os resultados, observou-se uma diferença de até 325 % de dose efetiva em relação a protocolos com o mesmo objetivo de imagem. Em relação à técnica de obtenção de imagem, a técnica stitched FOV resultou em uma dose efetiva até 5,3 vezes maior que a single FOV para protocolos com o mesmo objetivo de imagem. Na contribuição individual, as glândulas salivares são responsáveis por 31% da dose efetiva, nos exames tomográficos. Os tecidos restantes também apresentaram uma contribuição significativa, 36 %. Os resultados apontam a necessidade de se estimar a dose efetiva nos diversos equipamentos e protocolos presentes no mercado, além de conhecer os parâmetros de radiação e a engenharia de fabricação dos equipamentos para a obtenção da imagem.

Filtered backprojection (FBP) reconstruction algorithms are very popular in the field of X-ray computed tomography (CT) because they give advantages in terms of the numerical accuracy and computational complexity. Ramp filter based fan-beam FBP reconstruction algorithms have the position dependent weight in the backprojection which is responsible for spatially non-uniform distribution of noise and resolution, and artifacts. Many algorithms based on shift variant filtering or spatially-invariant interpolation in the backprojection step have been developed to deal with this issue. However, these algorithms are computationally demanding. Recently, fan-beam algorithms based on Hilbert filtering with inverse distance weight and no weight in the backprojection have been derived using the Hamaker’s relation. These fan-beam reconstruction algorithms have been shown to improve noise uniformity and uniformity in resolution. In this thesis, fan-beam FBP reconstruction algorithms with inverse distance back-projection weight and no backprojection weight for 2D image reconstruction are presented and discussed for the two fan-beam scan geometries -equi-angular and equispace detector array. Based on the proposed and discussed fan-beam reconstruction algorithms with inverse distance backprojection and no backprojection weight, new 3D cone-beam FDK reconstruction algorithms with circular and helical scan trajectories for curved and planar detector geometries are proposed. To start with three rebinning formulae from literature are presented and it is shown that one can derive all fan-beam FBP reconstruction algorithms from these rebinning formulae. Specifically, two fan-beam algorithms with no backprojection weight based on Hilbert filtering for equi-space linear array detector and one new fan-beam algorithm with inverse distance backprojection weight based on hybrid filtering for both equi-angular and equi-space linear array detector are derived. Simulation results for these algorithms in terms of uniformity of noise and resolution in comparison to standard fan-beam FBP reconstruction algorithm (ramp filter based fan-beam reconstruction algorithm) are presented. It is shown through simulation that the fan-beam reconstruction algorithm with inverse distance in the backprojection gives better noise performance while retaining the resolution properities. A comparison between above mentioned reconstruction algorithms is given in terms of computational complexity. The state of the art 3D X-ray imaging systems in medicine with cone-beam (CB) circular and helical computed tomography scanners use non-exact (approximate) FBP based reconstruction algorithm. They are attractive because of their simplicity and low computational cost. However, they produce sub-optimal reconstructed images with respect to cone-beam artifacts, noise and axial intensity drop in case of circular trajectory scan imaging. Axial intensity drop in the reconstructed image is due to the insufficient data acquired by the circular-scan trajectory CB CT. This thesis deals with investigations to improve the image quality by means of the Hilbert and hybrid filtering based algorithms using redundancy data for Feldkamp, Davis and Kress (FDK) type reconstruction algorithms. In this thesis, new FDK type reconstruction algorithms for cylindrical detector and planar detector for CB circular CT are developed, which are obtained by extending to three dimensions (3D) an exact Hilbert filtering based FBP algorithm for 2D fan-beam beam algorithms with no position dependent backprojection weight and fan-beam algorithm with inverse distance backprojection weight. The proposed FDK reconstruction algorithm with inverse distance weight in the backprojection requires full-scan projection data while the FDK reconstruction algorithm with no backprojection weight can handle partial-scan data including very short-scan. The FDK reconstruction algorithms with no backprojection weight for circular CB CT are compared with Hu’s, FDK and T-FDK reconstruction algorithms in-terms of axial intensity drop and computational complexity. The simulation results of noise, CB artifacts performance and execution timing as well as the partial-scan reconstruction abilities are presented. We show that FDK reconstruction algorithms with no backprojection weight have better noise performance characteristics than the conventional FDK reconstruction algorithm where the backprojection weight is known to result in spatial non-uniformity in the noise characteristics. In this thesis, we present an efficient method to reduce the axial intensity drop in circular CB CT. The efficient method consists of two steps: the first one is reconstruction of the object using FDK reconstruction algorithm with no backprojection weight and the second is estimating the missing term. The efficient method is comparable to Zhu et al.’s method in terms of reduction in axial intensity drop, noise and computational complexity. The helical scanning trajectory satisfies the Tuy-smith condition, hence an exact and stable reconstruction is possible. However, the helical FDK reconstruction algorithm is responsible for the cone-beam artifacts since the helical FDK reconstruction algorithm is approximate in its derivation. In this thesis, helical FDK reconstruction algorithms based on Hilbert filtering with no backprojection weight and FDK reconstruction algorithm based on hybrid filtering with inverse distance backprojection weight are presented to reduce the CB artifacts. These algorithms are compared with standard helical FDK in-terms of noise, CB artifacts and computational complexity.

The Gamma Knife is a non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery system used for treatments of deep targets in the brain. Accurate patient positioning is needed for precise radiation delivery to the target. The two latest versions of the Gamma Knife allow fractionated treatment by co-registering Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the patient's position in the Gamma Knife with a diagnostic magnetic resonance (MR) image used for treatment planning. However, CBCT images often suffer from artifacts that degrade image quality, which may result in less accurate co-registration. This thesis project investigates the potential of a new reconstruction framework developed by Elekta, which incorporates scattering correction and noise filters, for the reconstruction of Gamma Knife CBCT images. The performance of the new reconstruction framework, along with its noise filter and scatter correction, is quantified using image quality metrics of phantoms, including contrast, uniformity, spatial resolution, and CT-number accuracy. Additionally, brain CBCT images of five patients are co-registered with their diagnostic MR images, and the mean target registration error is measured. The results indicate that the new reconstruction framework, without using scatter correction and noise filtering, performs equally well as the current framework in reconstructing Gamma Knife CBCT images, as it achieved similar image quality and co-registration accuracy. However, when the scatter correction was used, there were improvements in image uniformity and CT-number accuracy without compromising spatial resolution. Additionally, the introduction of a noise filter resulted in an improved contrast-to-noise ratio and low contrast visibility with minimal compromise of spatial resolution. Despite these image quality enhancements, there were no consistent improvements in co-registration accuracy, indicating that the co-registration is not sensitive to scatter or noise artefacts. / Gammakniven är en medicinteknisk apparat som används för icke-invasiv stereotaktisk strålkirurgi vid behandling av djupa mål i hjärnan. För att uppnå precision i strålbehandlingen krävs noggrann patientpositionering. De två senaste versionerna av Gammakniven tillåter fraktionerad behandling genom att co-registrera cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-bilder av patientens position i Gammakniven med en diagnostisk magnetresonans (MR)-bild som används för behandlingsplanering. Tyvärr lider CBCT-bilder ofta av artefakter som kan försämra bildkvaliteten och därmed minska precisionen i co-registreringen. Detta examensarbete undersöker ett nytt rekonstruktionsramverk som utvecklats av Elekta. Det nya rekonstruktionsramverket och dess tillhörande brusfilter och spridningskorrigering utvärderas för rekonstruktion av Gammaknivens CBCT bilder med hjälp av bildkvalitetsmått för fantomer, såsom kontrast, uniformitet, spatial upplösning och noggrannhet i CT-nummer. Dessutom co-registreras CBCT-bilder från fem patienter med deras diagnostiska MR-bilder, och det genomsnittliga registreringsfelet mäts. Resultaten visar att det nya rekonstruktionsramverket, utan användning av spridningskorrigering och brusfiltrering, presterar lika bra som det nuvarande ramverket för rekonstruktion av CBCT-bilder från Gammakniven. Båda ramverken ger liknande bildkvalitet och noggrannhet i co-registreringen av bilderna. Vid användning av spridningskorrigering observerades förbättringar i uniformiteten och noggrannheten i CT-nummer utan att den spatiala upplösningen försämrades. Införandet av brusfilter resulterade i ett förbättrat kontrast-brus-förhållande och synlighet av svaga kontrastskillnader med endast lite avkall på den spatiala upplösningen. Trots dessa förbättringar i bildkvaliteten observerades ingen konsekvent förbättring av noggrannheten i co-registreringen av bilderna, vilket tyder på att co-registreringen inte påverkas av spridnings- eller brusartefakter i stor utsträckning.

Introduction : L’expansion palatine rapide assistée chirurgicalement (EPRAC) est une option de traitement privilégiée chez les patients ayant atteint la maturité squelettique et présentant une déficience transverse du maxillaire. L’effet bénéfique de l’EPRAC sur la fonction respiratoire est régulièrement mentionné, toutefois, encore peu d’études ont évalué son impact sur les voies aériennes supérieures. L’objectif de cette étude clinique prospective comparative consistait à évaluer les effets tridimensionnels de l’EPRAC sur la cavité nasale, le nasopharynx et l’oropharynx à l’aide de la tomodensitométrie. Méthodologie : L’échantillon était constitué de 14 patients (5 hommes, 9 femmes) dont l’âge moyen était de 23,0 ± 1,9 ans (16 ans 4 mois à 39 ans 7 mois). Tous ont été traités avec un appareil d’expansion de type Hyrax collé et l’expansion moyenne a été de 9,82 mm (7,5 - 12,0 mm). Tous ont eu une période de contention d’une année avant le début de tout autre traitement orthodontique. Une évaluation par tomodensitométrie volumique à faisceau conique a été réalisée aux temps T0 (initial), T1 (6 mois post-expansion) et T2 (1an post-expansion) et le volume des fosses nasales, du nasopharynx et de l’oropharynx ainsi que les dimensions de la zone de constriction maximale de l’oropharynx ont été mesurés sur les volumes tridimensionnels obtenus. Résultats : Les résultats radiologiques ont démontré une augmentation significative du volume des fosses nasales et du nasopharynx ainsi qu’une augmentation de la zone de constriction maximale de l’oropharynx à 6 mois post-expansion. Par la suite, une portion du gain enregistré pour ces trois paramètres était perdue à un an post-EPRAC sans toutefois retourner aux valeurs initiales. Aucun effet significatif sur le volume de l’oropharynx n’a été observé. De plus, aucune corrélation significative entre la quantité d’expansion réalisée et l’ensemble des données radiologiques n’a été observée. L’analyse de la corrélation intra-classe a démontré une excellente fiabilité intra-examinateur. Conclusions : L’EPRAC entraîne un changement significatif du volume de la cavité nasale et du nasopharynx. L’EPRAC ne modifie pas le volume de l’oropharynx, par contre, un effet significatif sur la zone de constriction maximale de l’oropharynx est noté. Les effets observés n’ont pas de corrélation avec le montant d’activation de la vis d’expansion. / Introduction: Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is a treatment of choice for patients who have reached skeletal maturity and present a maxillary transverse deficiency. It is often mentioned that SARPE has the benefit to improve respiratory function, however, only a few research projects have investigated the effects of SARPE on the upper airways. The objective of this clinical prospective comparative study was to evaluate the three-dimensional effects of SARPE on the nasal cavity, the nasopharynx and the oropharynx using computed tomography. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 14 subjects (5 males, 9 females) whose mean age was 23.0 ± 1.9 years (range: 16 y. 4 mo. to 39 y. 7 mo.). All patients were treated using a bonded Hyrax expander and the mean expansion was 9.82 mm (7.5-12.0 mm). A one-year retention period was undertaken before the beginning of any other orthodontic treatment. A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation was performed at T0 (initial), T1 (6 months post-expansion) and T2 (1 year post-expansion), and then the nasal cavity, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal volumes and the oropharyngeal minimal cross-sectional area were measured on the three-dimensional volumes that were obtained. Results: Radiological results have demonstrated a significant increase of the nasal and nasopharyngeal volumes and also an increase of the oropharyngeal minimal cross-sectional area at 6 months post-expansion. At one year post-SARPE, for these three parameters, a part of the gain was lost but did not return to the initial values. No significant effect on oropharyngeal volume was found. No significant correlation between expansion screw activation and radiological parameters were noted. Intra-class correlation analysis showed excellent intra-examiner reliability. Conclusions: SARPE causes significant changes of the nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal volumes. SARPE does not modify the oropharyngeal volume, but induces significant changes of the oropharyngeal minimal cross-sectional area. The observed effects do not have a correlation with the amount of expansion screw activation.

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

Os seios maxilares são os maiores seios paranasais e seu desenvolvimento apresenta uma variabilidade entre os indivíduos, já que sofre um processo de expansão progressiva durante a vida toda, principalmente nos casos de perdas dentárias, provocando pneumatização do seio em direção ao rebordo alveolar, reduzindo sua altura. Quando essa altura óssea alveolar residual é insuficiente, uma cirurgia de levantamento de seio pode ser realizada para ganhar altura óssea e posterior instalação de implantes dentários. Em alguns casos, podem apresentar variações anatômicas, levando ao insucesso da técnica cirúrgica, por desconhecimento ou falta de planejamento através de exames complementares. Para evitar esse tipo de acidentes e complicações em implantodontia é preciso a ajuda de exames complementares para um melhor planejamento cirúrgico e protético, como é o caso da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, que fornece imagens em três dimensões, possibilitando uma melhor avaliação do seio maxilar. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as diferentes variações anatômicas apresentadas no seio maxilar em pacientes edêntulos total e parcial da região posterior da maxila, realizar mensurações do osso alveolar residual, paredes do seio e determinar a relação da artéria alveolar superior posterior com o seio maxilar, através da avaliação de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico disponíveis nos arquivos de imagens digitais do departamento de Cirurgia, Estomatologia, Patologia e Radiologia da Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru da Universidade de São Paulo FOB/USP. / The maxillary sinus is the largest of the paranasal sinuses and its development presents a variability among the individuals, since it undergoes a process of progressive expansion during the whole life, mainly in the cases of dental losses, provoking pneumatization of the sinus toward the alveolar ridge, reducing your Height. When this residual alveolar bone height is insufficient, a sinus lift surgery can be performed to gain bone height and subsequent installation of dental implants. In some cases, they may present anatomic variations, leading to the failure of the surgical technique, due to lack of knowledge or lack of planning through complementary tests. To avoid such accidents and complications in implantology, it is necessary the help of complementary examinations for a better surgical and prosthetic planning, as is the case of conical beam CT, which provides images in three dimensions, allowing a better evaluation of the maxillary sinus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the different anatomical variations presented in the maxillary sinus in total and partial edentulous patients of the posterior maxillary region, to perform measurements of the residual alveolar bone, sinus walls and to determine the relation of the posterior superior alveolar artery with the sinus maxillary, through the evaluation of conical beam computed tomography available in the digital images archives of the Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology and Radiology of the Faculty of Dentistry of Bauru of the University of São Paulo FOB / USP.

Objetivo: O desenvolvimento da tecnologia em diagnóstico odontológico por imagem através dos Tomógrafos Computadorizados por Feixe Cônico, tornou possível e acessível a avaliação cefalométrica através de reconstruções volumétricas do crânio. Parâmetros baseados em evidências científicas são necessários para implementar o seu uso. Alguns parâmetros utilizados na cefalometria convencional (bidimensional) deverão ser esquecidos, outros deverão ser adaptados, outros, ainda, deverão ser criados. Propomos aqui a criação de um Cefalostato Virtual para orientação do crânio em TC, com a utilização de pontos intracranianos, que são mais estáveis. Também propomos a criação do ponto TS e da linha TS-Pg em substituição ao ponto S e ao eixo Y de crescimento de Downs, respectivamente. Além disso, propomos a linha Ba-Op como referência para casos de assimetria faciais onde não é possível a utilização do plano Horizontal de Frankfurt, em casos, por exemplo, de síndromes que afetem os pontos de referências mais externos. Métodos: 49 crânios pertencentes ao do Museu de Anatomia UNIFESP, foram escaneados em um tomógrafo computadorizado por feixe cônico (TCFC), na clínica ISOOrthographic, São Paulo. As pontuações foram realizadas em dois momentos, com espaçamento de uma semana. Foram calculadas estatisticamente medidas-resumo (média, quartis, mínimo, máximo e desvio padrão). Foram calculadas também as correlações intraclasse e correlações de Pearson entre o Eixo Y (S-Gn) e linha entre os pontos TS e Pg. Resultados: Apesar de se observar uma baixa reprodutibilidade nas coordenadas, para os pontos CE, Pg e Gn, foi observada alta correlação entre as medidas angulares em questão. Para descrever a inclinação do Eixo Y em função da inclinação da Linha TS e Pg adotou-se um modelo de regressão linear simples descrito pela equação abaixo: Ang Sö- Gn = 0,989 Ang TS Pgi i Conclusões: o uso do Cefalostato Virtual na orientação de Crânios em Tomografia Computadorizada é factível e favorece a reprodução do posicionamento craniano; apesar da baixa reprodutibilidade intra observador dos pontos CE, Pg e Gn, novos critérios tridimensionais na definição destes pontos poderiam aumentar a precisão na sua localização; a alta reprodutibilidade intra observador para os pontos Op, TS e N, sugere que os critérios anatômicos próprios das estruturas estudadas favorecem a sua determinação; o ponto TS apresentou maior reprodutibilidade do que o ponto S, embora esta diferença não tenha sido estatisticamente significante, podendo-se substituir o ponto S pelo TS em estudos futuros; existe alta correlação entre a linha entre os pontos TS e Pg e o Eixo Y; a avaliação do comportamento da inclinação da linha orbitomeática (HF) com relação à linha Básio-Opístio sugere que na presença de alterações cranianas este relacionamento propicie auxílio no diagnóstico das alterações craniofaciais. / Objective: The development of new technology in dental diagnosis by cone beam CT (CBCT) image, made possible and accessible the realization of cephalometric evaluation through volumetric reconstructions of the skull. Scientific parameters with evidence-based are needed to implement its use. Some parameters used in conventional cephalometry (2D) maybe need to be forgotten, others should be adapted, and others still to be created. In this research we propose to create a Virtual Cephalostat orientation of the skull in CT, with the intracranial landmarks, because they are more stable. We propose the creation of landmark TS (Tubercle Sella) and the TS-Pg line to replace the landmark S (Sella) and the Y-axis of growth (Downs), respectively. Furthermore, we propose to use the Basion-Opistion line as a reference for cases of craniofacial asymmetry where is not possible to use the Frankfurt horizontal plane, as in some cases of syndromes that affects the most external landmarks. Methods: 49 skulls of Anatomy Museum of UNIFESP Federal University of São Paulo, were scanned in a CBCT. The analyses were performed in 2 stages, within 1-week space. Statistics measurements were calculated (mean, quartiles, minimum, maximum and standard deviation). We also calculated the intraclass correlations (ICC) and the Pearson correlations between the Y axis (S-Gn) and the line between landmarks TS-Pg. Results: Even if there is a low reproducibility in the coordinates for landmarks EC (Ethmoidal Crest), Pg and Gn it was observed a high correlation between the angular measures in question. To describe the inclination of the Y axis according to the slope of the line adopted TS and Pg a simple linear regression model is used, showed by the equation bellow: Ang Sö- Gn = 0,989 Ang TS Pgi i Conclusions: The use of the Virtual Cephalostat in orientation of skulls using CBCT is feasible and facilitates the reproduction of the skull position, despite the low intra observer reproducibility of landmarks EC, Pg and Gn, new 3D criteria in the definition of these landmarks could increase the precision in its location. The high intra observer reproducibility at the landmarks Op, N and TS, suggests that the anatomical criteria themselves promote their reliability; The TS landmark showed a higher reproducibility than the S landmark, even though the difference was not statistically significant, and it should be replaced by the landmark TS in future studies. There is a high correlation between the TS - Pg line and Y-axis. The relationship between the slope of the HF plane and Ba -Op line suggests that in the presence of the alteration of morphology in craniofacial structure, this relationship offer help in the diagnosis of craniofacial changes.

Considerando-se a localização intra-óssea das lesões periapicais, o diagnostico clinico e dificultado e a avaliação radiográfica não fornece informações suficientes para o diagnostico de um periodonto apical sadio pós-tratamento. Dessa maneira, o objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os achados radiográficos e por tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico com a avaliação microscópica após tratamento de canais radiculares em dentes de cães e avaliar a participação das metaloproteinases da matriz (MMPs) na lesão periapical e nos tecidos em processo de reparação, assim como em cistos e granulomas periapicais obtidos de humanos. A seguir, os mecanismos envolvidos na cementogênese apical foram investigados utilizando células do ligamento periodontal de humanos. Foram induzidas lesões periapicais em dentes de cães e o tratamento endodôntico foi realizado em sessão única ou apos utilização de um curativo de demora a base de hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2]. Avaliações radiográficas e tomográficas foram realizadas previamente, após a indução das lesões periapicais e 180 dias apos o tratamento endodôntico. Os tecidos periapicais foram avaliados por meio de microscopia de luz, imunofluorescência, imunoistoquímica e RT-PCR em tempo real. In vitro, células do ligamento periodontal foram utilizadas para avaliar os efeitos da estimulação com Ca(OH)2 nos processos de migração, proliferação, diferenciação celular e mineralização. As vias de sinalização envolvidas na diferenciação cementoblastica foram investigadas por meio de inibidores bioquímicos da via das proteínas quinases ativadoras de mitose (MAPK), bloqueadores de canais de cálcio e silenciadores de RNA para proteínas quinases reguladas por sinal extracelular (ERK-1 / ERK-2). De acordo com os resultados obtidos, a tomografia computadorizada permitiu a detecção de lesões periapicais com maior sensibilidade e acuracia que a radiografia periapical convencional, utilizando-se a avaliação microscópica como padrão-ouro. Histologicamente, as lesões periapicais experimentalmente induzidas apresentaram bactérias distribuídas pelo sistema de canais radiculares e lacunas de reabsorção do cemento e estavam associadas a desorganização das fibras colágenas e alta expressão de MMPs. A presença das MMPs em processos inflamatórios periapicais de humanos (cistos e granulomas) foi confirmada. Nos dentes com lesão periapical submetidos ao tratamento endodôntico em sessão única o desfecho do tratamento endodôntico foi caracterizado pela manutenção ou progressão da lesão periapical e alta expressão de MMPs. Por outro lado, nos dentes submetidos ao tratamento endodôntico utilizando o Ca(OH)2 como curativo de demora, maior numero de espécimes apresentaram regressão da lesão periapical e houve modulação da expressão de MMPs pelo tratamento. Neste grupo foi evidenciada neoformação de cemento no forame apical. Células do ligamento periodontal estimuladas com Ca(OH)2 expressaram proteínas especificas de cementoblastos (CEMP-1, CAP) e foram capazes de sintetizar nódulos de mineralização, mediados via ERK MAPK. A ação do Ca(OH)2 ocorreu via canais de cálcio, uma vez que o bloqueio destes canais inibiu a fosforização de ERK-1 e ERK-2 e, portanto, a expressão de CEMP-1 e CAP. CEMP-1 estimulou a migração, proliferação e mineralização mediada por células, exercendo um papel central na cementogenese, uma vez que o bloqueio de CEMP-1 inibiu a migração celular e mineralização. Juntos, estes resultados permitem concluir que a tomografia computadorizada e superior a radiografia periapical convencional para detecção de lesões periapicais refratarias ao tratamento de canais radiculares. Ainda, o tratamento endodôntico realizado utilizando o hidróxido de cálcio como curativo de demora propiciou um reparo apical e periapical mais favorável do que o tratamento endodôntico em sessão única, possivelmente devido a capacidade do Ca(OH)2 induzir a diferenciação de células do ligamento em células com um fenótipo cementoblastico e posterior mineralização. / Clinical diagnosis of apical periodontitis is difficult due to the intraosseous nature of the disease and radiographic evaluation does not provide sufficient information to determine a healthy apical periodontium following root canal therapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the radiographic and cone beam computed tomographic findings with microscopic evaluation following root canal treatment in dogs teeth. Then, the presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in apical periodontitis and during the healing phase following treatment was evaluated and compared to the expression of MMPs in periapical cysts and granulomas obtained from human. Finally, the mechanisms involved in apical cementogenesis were investigated using human periodontal ligament cells. Apical periodontitis was induced in dogs teeth and then root canal treatment was performed in a single visit or using calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] as the root canal dressing. Tomographic and radiographic evaluations were performed prior to and following induction of apical periodontitis, and 180 days following root canal therapy. Periapical tissues were evaluated by conventional light microscopy, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and real time RT-PCR. In vitro, periodontal ligament cells were used to evaluate the effects of Ca(OH)2 treatment on cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. The signaling pathways triggered by treatment with Ca(OH)2 were investigated using mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) biochemical inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK-1 / ERK-2) silencing RNAs. Based on the results obtained, apical periodontitis was detected with higher sensitivity and accuracy by means of cone beam computed tomography compared to conventional periapical radiographs, using microscopic evaluation as the gold standard. Histological evaluation revealed that teeth with apical periodontitis presented microorganisms throughout the root canal system and in areas with resorption of cementum. Apical periodontitis was characterized by collagen fiber disorganization and high expression of MMPs. The presence and activity of MMPs was confirmed in periapical inflammatory diseases (cysts and granulomas) obtained from humans. Root canal treatment outcome was characterized by maintenance or progression of apical periodontitis and high expression of MMPs in teeth submitted to root canal treatment in a single visit, whereas root canal treatment outcome in teeth submitted to root canal treatment using Ca(OH)2 as the root canal dressing, higher number of teeth presented reduced apical periodontitis and lower expression of MMPs. In this group, cementum neogenesis was evident in the apical foramina. Periodontal ligament cells stimulated with Ca(OH)2 expressed cementoblastic specific proteins (CEMP-1, CAP) and were able to synthesize mineralized nodules via ERK MAPK. The effects of Ca(OH)2 occurred via calcium channels, since their blockade prevented ERK-1 and ERK-2 phosphorylation and therefore expression of CEMP-1 and CAP. CEMP-1 stimulated cell migration, proliferation, and mineralization and it was central to cementogenesis because blockade of activity of CEMP-1 prevented cell migration and mineralization. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that cone beam computed tomography is superior to conventional periapical radiography for detection of refractory apical periodontitis. Furthermore, the root canal treatment using Ca(OH)2 as the root canal dressing permitted a more favorable outcome than the root canal treatment performed in a single visit, probably due to the ability of Ca(OH)2 induce cementoblastic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells and mineralization.

Foram poucos os estudos realizados para avaliar a capacidade da cavidade dos seios frontais para a diferenciação sexual. No entanto, a predição do sexo dos indivíduos é o passo mais importante para o desenvolvimento de um perfil biológico confiável durante a análise de restos esqueléticos. O advento da tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico trouxe uma série de vantagens à clínica odontológica, e a quantidade de pacientes que realizam exames tomográficos para fins de diagnóstico tem aumentado cada vez mais permitindo com que estes dados sejam úteis para propósitos de identificação forense. Neste estudo, o objetivo foi propor uma nova metodologia para avaliar a capacidade de imagens em 3D da cavidade sinusal frontal, provenientes de tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico, em determinar dimorfismo sexual entre os indivíduos. A amostra da pesquisa foi composta por 130 exames (65 do sexo masculino e 65 do sexo feminino) que foram segmentados e reconstruídos tridimensionalmente. O volume 3D foi exportado em formato Tiff nas normas frontal, lateral e basal. E as seguintes variáveis foram mensuradas em um segundo programa: área, perímetro, retângulo delimitador, elipse delimitadora, circularidade, razão de aspecto, arredondamento do objeto, solidez e diâmetro de Feret. O estudo foi capaz de demonstrar a existência de dimorfismo sexual com uma acurácia do modelo final de regressão logística igual a 80,0%. A norma basal foi a que garantiu maior poder de explicação na equação final. A metodologia foi validada e os resultados mostraram alto grau de confiabilidade. / There were few studies to assess the ability of the cavity of the frontal sinuses for sexual differentiation. However, the prediction of the sex of the individuals is the most important step in the development of a reliable biological profile during analysis of skeletal remains. The advent of cone beam computed tomography brought a number of advantages to the dental clinic, and the number of patients undergoing CT scans for diagnostic purposes has increased increasingly allowing that these data are useful for forensic identification purposes. The study aimed to propose a new methodology to assess the 3D images capacity of the frontal sinus cavity, from computed tomography cone beam, to attribute sexual dimorphism between individuals. The survey sample consisted of 130 exams (65 male and 65 female) who were reconstructed three-dimensionally. The 3D volume was exported in Tiff format in the frontal, side and basal views. In addition, the following variables were measured in a second program: area, perimeter, bounding rectangle, ellipse fit, circularity, aspect ratio, roundness, solidity and Feret\'s diameter. The study was able to demonstrate the existence of sexual dimorphism with an accuracy of the final logistic regression model equal to 80.0%. The basal view assured greater explanatory power in the final equation. The methodology has been validated and the results showed a high degree of reliability.