Imaging Pitfalls and Diagnostic Inhibitions in Various Advanced Head and Neck Imaging Modalities—Diagnostician’s Perspective

Abstract

The head and neck is a complex area where imaging plays a major role in not only diagnosis, but also in guided investigations, treatment planning, and, to an extent, guided interventions. This type of imaging ranges from a simple digital orthopantomogram of the jaws and teeth to the complex 3D computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Even though the imaging modalities have paved the way for more precise examination and assessment compared to a decade ago; they still require slight renovations in terms of the artifacts and dimensional blurriness invading the diagnosis. This paper sheds light on few of the specific scenarios, such as metal artifacts due to prosthetic crowns, in CT, CBCT, and MRI that greatly hinder the radiological diagnosis and assessment of the extent of lesions, posing critical challenges in surgical planning. With regard to software resolution and available tools, this presentation will cover the restrictions in handling image data, and the processible tools that can be implemented for easy and efficient interpretation and modulation in orthognathic surgery, implant surgery, and excisions of malignancies in the head and neck region.

Keywords

• artifacts
• imaging software
• imaging difficulties
• future modifications
• head and neck imaging
• maxillofacial radiology