Effectiveness of algorithms artifacts reduction in tomographic images

Abstract

The use of advanced methods such as cone beam computed tomography may help decision making in the diagnosis of the bucomaxillofacial region. However, the literature shows reduced accuracy of this imaging modality in the presence of high-density materials, due to the interference of artifacts. The application of algorithms called metal artefact reduction (MAR) has been suggested to minimize these artifacts. However, it has been observed a great controversy related to the effectiveness of this tool. Given these facts, this project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of MAR algorithms available in three different scanners: 1) Picasso Master 3D ® (Vatech, Hwaseong, South Korea); 2) ProMax ® (Plameca, Helsinki, Finland) and 3) Cranex 3D® (Soredex, Tuusula, Finland) through quantitative evaluation. It will be made 15 phantoms containing within them up to three cylinders, made of dental regular materials of high density: titanium, gutta-percha and metal alloy of copper-aluminum (CuAl). The phantoms will be scanned with and without the selection of MAR and then the mean and standard deviation of the gray values of the image and the contrast-to-noise ratio will be obtained. The measures will be performed twice, by the same examiner, with a minimum interval of 30 days between the analyzes, using the OnDemand3D® software (Cybermed, Seoul, Republic of Korea), in order to assess the real contribution of the MAR tool in suppressing artifacts. (AU)