Impact of Different Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Field of Views on Incidental Findings in the Maxillofacial Region: An Observational Study
Arifa Naaz, Ashish Aggarwal, Nitin Upadhyay, G.V. Sowmya, Nupur GuptaAbstract
Background:
Incidental findings (IFs) in Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) are unexpected anatomical variations or pathologies detected outside the primary area of interest. Owing to its wide field of view (FOV), CBCT often reveals clinically significant abnormalities that may require further evaluation or referral.
Objective:
To analyze the nature, prevalence, and impact of different FOVs on IFs in the maxillofacial region in patients undergoing CBCT scans.
Methods:
A total of 950 scans of 440 males and 510 females, acquired between April and December 2024 were analyzed. Archived CBCT scans with varying FOVs were evaluated for IFs involving the maxillary sinus, dentoalveolar region, osseous structures, soft-tissue calcifications, and temporomandibular joint. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test, whereas Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare the number of IFs. A
Results:
IFs were identified in 796 scans of the 950 CBCT examinations (83.8%). The dentoalveolar region was the most common site of IFs, with a higher prevalence observed in medium (83.4%) and large (91.9%) FOV scans.
Conclusion:
CBCT revealed frequent clinically significant IFs, especially in medium and large FOVs, emphasizing the need for thorough scan evaluation before treatment.