Journal Article

DKFZ-2026-00080

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Feasibility of opportunistic dental diagnostics in routine photon-counting CT examinations of the cervical spine.

Sawall, S. (First author)DKFZ* ; Maier, J.DKFZ* ; Sen, S. ; Gehrig, H. ; Kim, T.-S. ; Ziener, C. H.DKFZ* ; Schlemmer, H.-P.DKFZ* ; Schoenberg, S. O. ; Froelich, M. F. ; Kachelrieß, M.DKFZ* ; Ruetters, M.

2026
BioMed Central London

Abstract: This study evaluates the potential of routine clinical photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) of the cervical spine for opportunistic dental diagnostics.Thirty-three patients undergoing routine PCCT were included in this study, with imaging performed at an average dose of 13 mGy. Images were reconstructed to a voxel size of 156 μm and a slice thickness of 0.4 mm. Quantitative image quality was assessed using the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between dental structures, while qualitative assessment of structures like enamel, dentine, root canals, and cortical bone was conducted by two experienced readers using a five-point scale.The inter-reader reproducibility and intra-class correlation coefficient were excellent (all > 0.947). CNRs ranged from 1.6 to 6.1 for all relevant contrasts, and qualitative scores were excellent for all dental structures. Dental pathologies were detected in a significant portion of patients: caries-induced decay in 9 patients (27%) at 26 sites, apical lesions in 12 patients (36%) at 26 sites, and alveolar bone loss in 12 patients (36%) at 12 sites. At least one pathology was present in 23 patients (70%).PCCT offers potential for opportunistic dental diagnostics, providing earlier detection of dental issues and potentially improving overall dental care outcomes.

Keyword(s): Incidental findings ; Opportunistic Diagnostics ; Photon-Counting CT ; X-Ray Computed Tomography

Note: #EA:E025# / 2026 Jan 10;26(1):230

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. E025 Röntgenbildgebung und Computertomographie (E025)
2. E010 Radiologie (E010)

Research Program(s):

1. 315 - Bildgebung und Radioonkologie (POF4-315) (POF4-315)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

---

Database coverage:
; ; ; Article Processing Charges ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; DOAJ Seal ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

---