CT image segmentation as a tool for volumetric measurement of external inflammatory root resorption

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate cone beam computed tomography image segmentation as a tool for measuring the volume of external inflammatory root resorption in human permanent teeth. Methods: A total of 40 cone beam computed tomography images of permanent maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth diagnosed with external inflammatory root resorption. The images were exported in the DICOM format to the Materialise MIMICS software program (version 10.01; Materialise NV, Belgium) for segmentation and characterisation of resorption cavities in terms of location, number of reabsorption sites, relationship to resorption sites, and nominal and percentage volumetric beside assessment of root resorption cavities and remaining root volume. All measurements were performed in duplicate and blindly by a trained radiologist at an interval of 30 days to analyse the intraclass correlation coefficients. Results: The nominal volumetric measures of root resorption cavities ranged from 0.6 mm3 to 114.4 mm3 (median, 13.2 mm3). The percentage volume of root resorption cavities ranged from 0.37% to 39.44% (median, 4.73%). The nominal of remaining root volume ranged from 88 mm3 to 401.3 mm3 (median, 212.4 mm3). The percentage of remaining root volume ranged from 60.34% to 99.63% (median, 95.37%). Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study suggest that segmentation is an effective and reproducible tool for measuring the volumetric size of external inflammatory root resorption cavities. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the usefulness of cone beam computed tomography image segmentation in improving external inflammatory root resorption diagnosis and supporting decision making for the treatment of such conditions.