Accuracy of mandibular cross-sectional imaging with tuned- aperture computed tomography (TACT), iteratively reconstructed TACT, and multidirectional, linear, and transverse panoramic tomography

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare 5 modalities with respect to accuracy in mandibular cross-sectional imaging. The modalities tested were tuned-aperture computed tomography (TACT), iteratively reconstructed TACT, multidirectional tomography, linear tomography, and transverse panoramic tomography. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty sites were selected from 3 dry human mandibles, and cross-sectional views were imaged through use of each of the 5 modalities. A quantitative analysis included measurements of 2 linear distances; a qualitative study included image evaluation by 6 observers. A nested mixed analysis of variance model was used to control for mandibles and locations within mandibles for the quantitative analysis; the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was used for the qualitative analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in measurement error for maximum height but not for width. There was also a significant difference in qualitative image evaluation results. CONCLUSIONS: Of the 5 modalities tested, the narrow-layer multidirectional tomographic technique produced the greatest diagnostic accuracy and quality in cross-sectional imaging. The transverse panoramic tomographic technique produced the least diagnostic accuracy and quality. Linear tomography, TACT, and iteratively reconstructed TACT were intermediate in accuracy and quality.