As radiografias intraorais ilustram bem os estágios de reabsorção periodontal nas regiões interproximais. Entretanto, a sobreposição de estruturas dificulta avaliação da perda óssea nas corticais vestibular e lingual. A tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico (TCFC) é de elevada importância em várias especialidades odontológicas, tais como implantodontia, avaliação de lesões ósseas, estudo da articulação têmporo-mandibular e cirurgia buco-maxilo-facial. A TCFC também tem tido crescente indicação em outras áreas, como a periodontia e endodontia. O objetivo no presente estudo foi a) estabelecer o protocolo de aquisição mais adequado para a detecção de lesões incipientes de furca simuladas quimicamente; e b) avaliar a reprodutibilidade, sensibilidade e especificidade da TCFC, para a finalidade previamente citada. No presente estudo, foram utilizadas 15 mandíbulas suínas maceradas, que apresentavam o segundo molar íntegro e as corticais adjacentes preservadas As simulações de lesões em região de furca foram feitas com aplicação de ácido perclórico a 70%, em até quatro sítios possíveis em cada mandíbula (vestibular do lado direito, lingual do lado direito, vestibular do lado esquerdo, lingual do lado esquerdo) por um examinador participante que não avaliou as imagens. Nos 60 sitios possíveis, foram escolhidos aleatoriamente 20 para as simulações das lesões. Posteriormente, as mandíbulas foram submetidas à TCFC (i-CAT Next Generation) em dois. protocolos de aquição: voxel 0,2 mm e 0,25 mm, ambos com FOV de 6 cm de altura por 16 cm de diâmetro e com 26,9 segundos de tempo. Dois observadores (radiologistas previamente calibrados) avaliaram os exames duas vezes, em ordem aleatória, sob iluminação controlada. Os observadores foram orientados a direcionar a avaliação das regiões dos segundos molares, e questionados se havia lesão ou não nos sítios avaliados. A interpretação das imagens foi realizada em uma estação de trabalho independente localizada no Laboratório de Imagem em Terceira Dimensão da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo, utilizando o software Xoran (Xoran Technologies). A sensibilidade, especificidade e reprodutibilidade da TCFC foram avaliadas nos dois protocolos. A TCFC apresentou especificidade alta, sensibilidade baixa e reprodutibilidade moderada na detecção de lesões incipientes de furca. A influência do tamanho do voxel não foi estatisticamente significativa na detecção destas lesões. / Intraoral radiographs illustrate the stages of resorption in periodontal interproximal regions. However, overlapping structures hinders evaluation of bone loss in the buccal and lingual cortical plates. The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is of high importance in various dental specialties such as implantology, evaluation of bone lesions, the study of temporomandibular joint and maxillo-facial surgery. The CBCT has also been increasing indications in other areas, such as periodontics and endodontics. The aim of this study was to establish a) the acquisition protocol most suitable for the detection of incipient furcation invasion chemically simulated and b) assess the reproducibility, sensitivity and specificity of CBCT for the purpose previously mentioned. In this study, 15 pigs macerated mandibles were used, which showed the second molar and the adjacent cortical integrity preserved. Simulated lesions in the furcation area were made with application of 70% perchloric acid, up to four possible sites in each jaw (the right buccal, the right lingual, the left buccal, and left lingual side) by an examiner participant who did not evaluate the images. In the 60 possible sites, 20 were randomly chosen for the simulated lesions. Subsequently, the mandibles underwent cone beam computed tomography (Next Generation i-CAT) in two acquisition protocols: at 0.2 mm and 0.25 mm voxel, both with FOV of 6 cm height by 16 cm in diameter and 26.9 seconds of time. Two observers (calibrated radiologists) evaluated the examinations twice, in random order under controlled lighting. Observers were instructed to direct the evaluation to the regions of the second molars, and they were asked if there were or not injuries on those avaluated sites. Image interpretation was performed on an independent workstation located at the Third Dimension Laboratory of Image in the School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, using the software Xoran (Xoran Technologies). The sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of CBCT were assessed in both trials. The CBCT showed high specificity, low sensitivity and moderate reproducibility in the detection of incipient lesions, furcation. The influence of voxel size was not statistically significant in detecting these lesions.

Introduction: The use of CBCT to visualize the relationship between the inferior alveolar canal and the mandibular third molar roots continues to grow as it is becoming the standard of care. It becomes important to understand the impact that luminance, one of the factors that affects the viewing conditions of digital images, has on appropriately assessing the third molar-canal relationship. To date, no study has assessed the impact of luminance on visualizing anatomic structures on CBCT. The aim of this study is to determine if there is a difference in the ability to appropriately assess the root development and the third molar-canal relationship on a medical grade monitor with four different luminance settings on CBCT. Materials and methods: 285 scans were randomized and evaluated by three calibrated and masked evaluators. The evaluations were completed on a Barco MDNC-3321 Nio Color 3MP monitor (Kortrijk, Belgium) monitor at four different luminance settings; 200 cd/m2, 300 cd/m2, 400 cd/m2, and 500 cd/m2. The gold standard was established by two board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologists. All evaluations were performed in a controlled subdued environment lighting of less than 15 lux. There was a washout period of at least one week between each of the four evaluations by an observer. Results: The accuracy of two of the three evaluators was substantial to almost perfect independent of luminance. None of these assessments showed any statistical significance (P = 0.05). The accuracy of one evaluator was moderate to almost perfect for all evaluations with one assessment of one canal showing statistical significance (P = 0.05). Conclusion: There is no difference in the ability to appropriately assess the third molar canal relationship or the root development of third molars on a medical grade monitor at luminance settings between the range of 200 cd/m2 and 500 cd/m2 when viewed in a dimly lit room.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the radiographic changes in periapical status and analysis of healing determined using periapical radiographs (PA) versus cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) pre-operatively and at 3-64 months following endodontic treatment. Methods: Pre/post treatment radiograph and CBCT scans of patients who had NSRCT, NSReTx, or SRCT from July 2011-December 2018 at VCU Graduate Endodontic clinic were included in this study. Volumetric and linear measurements of periapical lesions on initial and recall PA and CBCT images were performed using three calibrated examiners. Changes and differences in the estimated area from PA to CBCT were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. McNemar’s chi-squared test was used to determine agreement in the proportion of lesions that were absent (0x0) between the PA and corresponding view of CBCT. This data was used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predicative value (NPV). Results: A total of 51 patients with a median healing time of 13 months were included in the analysis. Significant healing was observed on both PA and CBCT images (p-value Conclusion: Assessment using CBCT revealed a lower healing rate for all treatment categories compared with periapical radiographs. CBCT was more likely to detect the presence of a PARL, whereas a periapical radiograph would be less sensitive to detection of a PARL. Significant healing cannot be detected at an earlier point in time with PA radiographs or CBCT.

Objectives: The aim of the current study is to establish the reliability of linear cephalometric measurements made on mandibles and their respective 3D printed models created from different voxel resolutions from a cone beam CT machine. Materials and methods: Ten dry mandibles obtained from the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine at The University of Iowa College Of Dentistry were used for this study. All mandibles were scanned on the i-CAT FLX cone beam CT machine (Imaging Sciences International, LLC, Pennsylvania, USA) using voxel resolutions of .30mm, .25mm and .20 mm in a 16cm x 8cm field of view using 360° rotation. The 3D models were reconstructed and saved as .STL files using 3D Slicer software and send to a 3D printer for printing. Two observers measured the 10 mandibles and 30 3D printed models. The measurement were repeated on 50% of the samples after at least one week interval. Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated to measure reliability. Results: Good to excellent interobserver and intraobserver reliability was achieved across most of the measurements. There was no difference in reliability across models made from different voxel sizes. Conclusion: The current study successfully showed that the reliability of measurements made on 3D printed models of dry skull mandibles created using fused deposition modeling technique using images of different voxel sizes from an i-CAT FLX CBCT machine are valid, reproducible, and reliable and can be used for diagnostic and clinical purposes.

As alterações volumétricas da cavidade oral, nasal e espaço faríngeo após a cirurgia ortognática, têm sido objetivo de muitos estudos, uma vez que, essas alterações dependem da direção e magnitude da movimentação dos segmentos ósseos, porém, poucos são os trabalhos que combinam os diferentes métodos para a avaliação da nasofaringe. O objetivo deste estudo foi correlacionar o espaço aéreo faríngeo em pacientes com fissura labiopalatina, submetidos à cirurgia ortognática com avanço de maxila e/ou recuo de mandíbula, por meio da análise do volume e área seccional mínima utilizando imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico e pela rinomanometria anterior modificada (técnica fluxo-pressão) no pré e pós-operatório de um ano da cirurgia ortognática. Desse modo, a amostra foi composta por 41 indivíduos, que foram avaliados no pré-operatório e no pós-operatório, na qual, avaliou-se a área seccional mínima pela rinomanometria anterior modificada expressos em mm2 e pelas imagens de tomografia de feixe cônico, que foram importadas em DICOM e avaliadas pelo software Dolphin Imaging 11.0, obtendo os valores numéricos de volume (V), expressos em cm3, bem como a área seccional mínima, expressa em mm2. Notou-se que, em todas as variáveis, houve aumento médio dos valores no pós-operatório em relação ao pré-operatório. Além disso, notouse uma diferença estatisticamente significante ao comparar os resultados dos volumes e da área seccional mínima da área nasofaríngea no pré e pós-operatório pelo software Dolphin Imaging 11.0 ao aplicar o Teste de Wilcoxon. Observou-se também, o aumento discreto da área nasofaríngea avaliada pela rinomanometria, no préoperatório de 105,9 mm2 para 107,1 mm2 no pós-operatório, mas sem diferença estatisticamente significante com p=0,493 pelo Teste de Wilcoxon. E ao comparar a ASM pela TCFC (ASMD) e pela rinomanometria (notou-se diferença estatística (p= 0,033) pelo Teste de Wilcoxon. Por conseguinte, concluiu-se que, existe diferença estatisticamente significante entre a área seccional mínima obtida da TCFC com a rinomanometria pela técnica de fluxo-pressão. / The volumetric changes of the oral cavity, nasal cavity and pharyngeal space after orthognathic surgery have been the objective of many studies, since these alterations depend on the direction and magnitude of the movement of the bone segments, however, there are few studies that combine the different methods for evaluating the nasopharynx. The objective of this study was to correlate the pharyngeal air space in patients with cleft lip and palate submitted to orthognathic surgery with maxillary advancement and / or mandible retreatment, by means of volume analysis and minimum sectional area using conical beam computed tomography by modified anterior rhinomanometry (flow-pressure technique) in the pre- and postoperative year of orthognathic surgery. Thus, the sample consisted in 41 individuals, which were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively, in which the minimum sectional area was determined by modified anterior rhinomanometry expressed in mm2 and by conical beam tomography images, which were imported into DICOM and evaluated by Dolphin Imaging 11.0 software, obtaining the numerical values of volume (V), expressed in cm3, as well as the minimum sectional area, expressed in mm2. It was observed that, in all variables, there was an average increase in postoperative values in relation to the preoperative period. In addition, a statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the results of the volumes and the minimum sectional area of the nasopharyngeal area in the pre and postoperative period by the Dolphin Imaging 11.0 software when applying the Wilcoxon Test. It was also observed a discrete increase in the nasopharyngeal area evaluated by rhinomanometry, in the preoperative period from 105.9 mm2 to 107.1 mm2 postoperatively, but without a statistically significant difference with p = 0.493 by the Wilcoxon test. When comparing ASM by CBCT (ASMD) and rhinomanometry (a statistical difference (p = 0.033) was noted by the Wilcoxon test. Therefore, it was concluded that there is a statistically significant difference between the minimum sectional area obtained from the CBCT with rhinomanometry.

Megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) and megavoltage cone beam computed tomography can be used for visualizing anatomical structures prior to radiation therapy treatments to assist in patient setup and target localization. These systems provide images using the same beam used for patient treatment, however their image contrast is limited by the low detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of the detectors currently available. By using higher DQE thick, segmented cadmium tungstate detectors we can improve the system contrast. This in turn would permit enhanced soft tissue visualization, allowing MVCT to be more useful. This thesis describes the evaluation of a prototype MVCT system that uses thick, segmented detectors. The system was found to be able to easily visualize a 15 mm diameter 1.5% contrast target with 2 cGy of radiation dose delivered. This system could become the basis for improved commercial MVCT systems. / Medical Physics

Cobalt 60 (Co-60) radiation therapy is a simple and reliable method of treating cancer by irradiating treatment volumes within the patient with high energy gamma rays. Medical linear accelerators (linacs) began to replace Co-60 units during the 1960’s in more developed countries, but Co 60 has remained the main source of radiotherapy treatment in less developed countries around the world. As a result, technological advancements made in more developed countries to deliver more precise radiation treatment that improves patient outcome have not been clinically applied to Co-60 machines. The medical physics group at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario has shown that these same technological advancements can be applied to Co-60 machines which would increase the accessibility of these modern improvements in radiotherapy treatment. However, for these modern treatments to improve patient outcome they require more precise localization of the patient prior to therapy. In more developed countries, this is currently provided by comparing computed tomography (CT) used for treatment planning with images acquired on the linac immediately before treatment. In the past decade, cone-beam CT (CBCT) has been developed to provide 3D CT images of the patient immediately prior to treatment on a linac. This imaging modality would also be ideal for patient localization when conducting modern Co-60 treatments since it would only require the addition of an imaging panel to produce CBCT images using the Co-60 source. A prototype Co-60 CBCT imaging system was implemented and characterized. Image noise, contrast, spatial resolution, and artifacts were studied. Algorithms to reduce the image artifacts were implemented and found to improve perceived image quality. The imaging system was found to have a ~1.8 mm high-contrast spatial resolution and the ability to detect 3 cm low-contrast soft-tissue structures in water. Anthropomorphic phantoms were also imaged and the observed anatomy in Co-60 CBCT images was comparable to kilovoltage CT. These results are comparable to clinically relevant linac-based CBCT using high energy X rays of similar energies to Co-60 gamma rays. This suggests that Co-60 CBCT should be able to provide the necessary images to localize patients for modern Co-60 radiation treatments. / Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2010-11-30 13:40:07.61

No description available.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2010. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on June 25, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 29-31).

Είναι κοινά αποδεκτή η γνώμη ότι στις μέρες μας η υπολογιστική τομογραφία αποτελεί αναπόσπαστο μέσο διάγνωσης στην κλινική πράξη. Προκαταρκτικές όμως εξετάσεις ρουτίνας σε μικρά ζώα είναι επίσης ωφέλιμες με απώτερο στόχο την εφαρμογή νέων τεχνικών διάγνωσης και τη βελτίωση παλαιοτέρων, στον άνθρωπο. Αυτό τον ρόλο καλείται να παίξει η μικροτομογραφία, που ουσιαστικά αποτελεί μια παραλλαγή της κλασσικής Υπολογιστικής Τομογραφίας Κωνικής Δέσμης (CBCT). Στόχος της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η μελέτη, η ανάπτυξη, η εφαρμογή και η αξιολόγηση αλγορίθμων ανακατασκευής εικόνας μικρών ζώων και αντικειμένων, απο τις προβολικές εικόνες τους. Συνδυάζοντας προβολικά δεδομένα λήψης από διάφορες γεωμετρίες, όπως της επίπεδης ισοκεντρικής τροχιάς αλλά και της τρισορθογώνιας, της ελικοειδούς καθώς και αυτής του περιορισμένου γωνιακού κυκλικού τόξου, ανακατασκευάστηκαν λογισμικά κυρίως μοντέλα των υπό εξέταση δειγμάτων. Με απώτερο στόχο την εφαρμογή αλλά και τη βελτίωση γνωστών αλγορίθμων ανακατασκευής αλλά και τον πειραματισμό και την ανάπτυξη καινούργιων μεθόδων αναδημιουργίας στο χώρο της τομογραφίας, ένα νέο λογισμικό εργαλείο δημιουργήθηκε στα πλαίσια της διατριβής αυτής. Πρόκειται για την Υπολογιστική Βιβλιοθήκη CLCT, μια ενοποιημένη πλατφόρμα προσομοίωσης που έχει αναπτυχθεί στην αντικειμενοστραφή γλώσσα προγραμματισμού C++. Χρησιμοποιώντας το εργαλείο αυτό, είναι δυνατή η σύνθεση ενός σεναρίου υπολογιστικής τομογραφίας με χρήση των επιμέρους στοιχείων της βιβλιοθήκης. Στο πλαίσιο της βιλιοθήκης, έχει αναπτυχθεί πληθώρα εργαλείων που αφορούν την ανακατασκευή αλλά και την επεξεργασία εικόνας. Παραδείγματα χρήσης της βιβλιοθήκης αναφέρονται τόσο για την περίπτωση της μικροτομογραφίας κωνικής δέσμης (στην ανακατασκευή μοντέλων μικρών ζώων και πειραματικών δεδομένων) όσο και για άλλες γενικές εφαρμογές της κλασσικής υπολογιστικής τομογραφίας στην ιατρική. / It is common belief that nowadays Computed Tomography is an integral part of medical diagnosis. Preliminary studies on small animals are also useful as they allow applying new diagnostic techniques and imaging modalities on humans, while improving at the same time the well established traditional methods. This is a role to be played by micro Computed Tomography (μCT), a technique similar to the conventional Cone Beam CT. The aim of the current thesis is to study, develop, apply and evaluate image reconstruction algorithms using projection images of small animals and objects. Using different acquisition geometries like circular or three-orthogonal trajectories as well as helical and limited arc trajectories, reconstructions were performed using software phantoms. A new software tool, CLCT library, was created during this thesis aiming to contribute to the implementation and improvement of well-known image reconstruction algorithms but also to the experimental testing and evaluation of new image reconstruction techniques. CLCT is an object-oriented class library, implemented in C++. In the core of the library, fundamental elements are classes, tightened together in a logical hierarchy. Real world objects, like an X-Ray Source or a Flat- Detector, can be defined as instances of corresponding classes. Various utilities (like 3D transformations, loading, saving, filtering of images, creation of planar or curved objects of various dimensions) have been incorporated in the software tool as class methods. They allow the user to easily set up any arrangement of these objects in 3D space and to experiment with many different trajectories and configurations. The application of CLCT library confirms the flexibility of the approach which is presented in this thesis through simulations on software phantoms as well as on real projection data for both cases of μCT and conventional Cone Beam CT.