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The aim of this study was to apply low-dose CT scans to evaluate the treatment and post-retention effects of RME on nasal cavity and periodontal effects.CT scans of 17 subjects (7 males 10 females, mean age 11.2 years) were taken before RME (T0), at the end of the expansion phase (T1), and after a retention period of 6 months (T2). Measurements were performed on axial scans and on 3 different coronal scans. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA for repeated measures with post-hoc tests.Transverse dimensions of nasal cavity showed statistically significant T0-T1 increments at all the 3 coronal scans. All T0-T1 increments at the nasal levels showed a decrease in magnitude from the anterior to the posterior measurements. In the evaluation of T0-T1 changes, periodontal measurements were significant on the buccal aspect of banded teeth with a reduction in alveolar bone thickness. In the evaluation of T0-T2 changes, the lingual bone plate thickness resulted significantly increased.RME therapy induces a significant increase in the transverse dimension of the nasal cavity without permanent injuries to the periodontal bony support discernible at CT imaging. After six months the expansion of the nasal cavity results stable.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the incidence of different expansive lesions and the advantages of the clinical employment of Dentalscan to study bones lesions and to establish a common diagnostic path.Since January 2005 to November 2009, 3200 patients, not selected for sex or age, have undergone a CT "Dentalscan" in the department of Diagnostic Imaging, Tor Vergata University Hospital (PTV), a suspect bone pathology was found in 704 of them through the XR-orthopantomograpy (OPT). CT images were obtained with General Electric CT Light Speed multislice. Images were saved in the Advantage Workstation (GE) supported by the "Dentascan" dedicated software and by the 3D software (3D SSD). The protocol was : Slice thickness 1,25 mm, gap 0, matrix 512 × 512, 140 KV and 70 mA. All the lesions were also studied with the dedicated three-dimensional reconstructor 3D SSD. Biopsy for diagnosis was performed on all the lesions, except one (false positive with digital OPT). THE TECHNIQUE SENSITIVITY WAS ASSESSED FOR TWO IMPORTANT CLASSES: benign and malignant lesions.Through CT Dentascan a detailed evaluation of the jaws lesions and their extension was obtained. 656 patients (93.1 %) out of 704 examined for a suspicious lesion on the orthopantomography had a benign lesion: (127 follicular cysts (18.2 %), 181 radicular cysts (25.1%), 93 non odontogenic cysts (13.2%), 29 fibroma (4.2%), 198 odontomes (28.2%), 24 ameloblastoma (3.6%), 4 brown tumors (0.7%), 47 (6.9%) had malignant lesions: (12 carcinoma (1.7%), 29 metastasis (4.3%), 6 sarcoma (0.8%), 1 Dentascan CT resulted to be negative (1 false positive of digital OPT). The sensitivity of the technique for both groups was 99% for benign lesions and 98% for malign lesions.CT Dentascan characteristics suggest to consider these techniques as the gold standard for the evaluation of jaw expansive lesions and the support of surgical planning.

TO CORRELATE DIFFERENT CT SYSTEM: MSCT (multislice computed tomography) with different acquisition parameters (100KV, 80KV), different reconstruction algorithm (ASIR) and CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) examination in terms of absorbed X-ray dose and diagnostic accuracy.80 KV protocols compared with 100 KV protocols resulted in reduced total radiation dose without relevant loss of diagnostic image information and quality. CBCT protocols compared with 80 KV MSCT protocols resulted in reduced total radiation dose but loss of diagnostic image information and quality although no so relevant.In addition the new system applies to equipment ASIR applicable on MSCT allows 50% of the dose without compromising image quality.

The aim of this study is to describe the current role of imaging in pre-surgical planning, reporting 25 cases of paranasal sinus tumors examined in our Institute. Between June 2006 and May 2008, we identified 25 patients with malignant tumors of the paranasal sinuses. All of the patients were evaluated with CT and/or MR exams. US were used to assess regional lymph node involvement. When necessary CT-PET scanning using FDG, was done. Diagnostic imaging is essential during the initial work-up of a patient suspected of having a paranasal sinus tumor. The role of imaging is to define the tumor extension, nodal involvement, metastases and recurrences in the postoperative patient. CT and MR imaging are the primary modalities employed; each have advantages and disadvantages but tend to be complementary. The involvement of fine bone structures is best evaluated with CT. In assessing the extent of the tumor, MR provides excellent soft tissue detail, allowing for delineation of neoplasm from surrounding inflammatory tissue and secretions. For evaluation of lymph node enlargement color-Doppler US, CT and MR provide morphologic data, while CT-PET provides metabolic data. CT-PET can be used to stage nodal and metastatic disease and for assessing the efficacy of therapy or recurrent disease.

Subcoracoid impingement syndrome pain is elicited by some positions of the upper limbs, i.e., adduction and inward rotation, whenever coracohumeral space reduces. Although acquired or congenital malformations of the humeral head and/or coracoid apophysis are the most common causes of painful syndromes, repeated flections and inward rotations of the upper limbs, typical of some sports, such as swimming and tennis, and of some sports, such as swimming and tennis, and of some kinds of work, are predisposing factors. The subcoracoid impingement syndrome exhibits on pathogenomonic signs at clinics and the specificity of diagnostic methods is low, which calls for reliable radiologic assessment of this condition. Fifteen patients with subcoracoid impingement syndrome underwent X-ray, US, CT and MR studies. Plain radiography detected no specific signs of this syndrome, but yielded useful information regarding other painful syndromes of the shoulder, such as anatomical variants of the acromion and degenerative changes. US yield was poor because of the acoustic window of the coracoid apophysis, but supraspinatus tendon changes were demonstrated in 2 cases. CT and MRI proved to be the most reliable and accurate diagnostic methods, the former thanks to its sensitivity to even slight bone changes and to its capabilities in measuring coracohumeral distance and acquiring dynamic scans and the latter because it detects tendon, bursa and rotator cuff changes. To conclude, in our opinion, when the subcoracoid impingement syndrome is clinically suspected, plain X-ray films should be performed first and followed by MR scans.