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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Assessment of using digital manipulation tools for diagnosing mandibular radiolucent lesions

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Author(s):
Raitz, R. [1] ; Assuncao Junior, J. N. R. [2] ; Fenyo-Pereira, M. [3] ; Correa, L. [3] ; de Lima, L. P. [4]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Dent Res Inst, Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Metropolina Santos Univ, Sch Dent, Dept Stomatol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Dent, Dept Stomatol, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] Logx Financial & Stat Consulting, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Dentomaxillofacial Radiology; v. 41, n. 3, p. 203-210, MAR 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyse the use of digital tools for image enhancement of mandibular radiolucent lesions and the effects of this manipulation on the percentage of correct radiographic diagnoses. Methods: 24 panoramic radiographs exhibiting radiolucent lesions were selected, digitized and evaluated by non-experts (undergraduate and newly graduated practitioners) and by professional experts in oral diagnosis. The percentages of correct and incorrect diagnoses, according to the use of brightness/contrast, sharpness, inversion, highlight and zoom tools, were compared. All dental professionals made their evaluations without (T-1) and with (T-2) a list of radiographic diagnostic parameters. Results: Digital tools were used with low frequency mainly in T-2. The most preferred tool was sharpness (45.2%). In the expert group, the percentage of correct diagnoses did not change when any of the digital tools were used. For the non-expert group, there was an increase in the frequency of correct diagnoses when brightness/contrast was used in T-2 (p = 0.008) and when brightness/contrast and sharpness were not used in T-1 (p = 0.027). The use or non-use of brightness/contrast, zoom and sharpness showed moderate agreement in the group of experts {[}kappa agreement coefficient (kappa) = 0.514, 0.425 and 0.335, respectively]. For the non-expert group there was slight agreement for all the tools used (kappa <= 0.237). Conclusions: Consulting the list of radiographic parameters before image manipulation reduced the frequency of tool use in both groups of examiners. Consulting the radiographic parameters with the use of some digital tools was important for improving correct diagnosis only in the group of non-expert examiners. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (2012) 41, 203-210. doi: 10.1259/dmfr/78567773 (AU)