Cone beam computed tomography and ultrasonography imaging of benign intraosseous jaw lesion: a prospective radiopathological study.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether ultrasonography (US) can be used in combination with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to image intraosseous jaw lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using CBCT and US, we evaluated 123 lytic intraosseous jaw lesions diagnosed in 121 patients with guidance from the CBCT findings. The lesions were classified into two groups based on histopathological evaluation: (1) cysts and (2) tumors and tumor-like lesions. US and histopathological findings on the lesions of the two groups and their relationships with each other were also assessed. Results are reported as means ± standard errors, and p < 0.001 was accepted as indicating statistical significance.

RESULT: In total, 123 lesions were evaluated; 74 (60.2%) were cysts and 49 (39.8%) were tumors or tumor-like lesions. The CBCT and US findings were compatible as far as dimensional measurements of the lesions in the three planes (p < 0.001). The US and histopathological findings on the content of the lesions correlated (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: CBCT provides useful information for diagnosing intraosseous jaw lesions. Because it offers no valid Hounsfield unit (HU) value, it does not differentiate between solid and cystic masses. Thus, US can be used with CBCT to image intraosseous jaw lesions caused by buccal cortical thinning or perforation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: US provides useful information about intraosseous jaw lesions and can be used with CBCT to image such lesions caused by buccal cortical thinning or perforation. Clinicians can take this information into consideration when evaluating intraosseous jaw pathology.