Evaluating the temporomandibular joint disc using calcium-suppressed technique in dual-layer detector computed tomography

• Published in: Journal of international medical research Vol. 48; no. 3; p. 300060519891332
• Main Authors: Zhang, Xiaohuan, Liu, Mengqi, Wang, Yanyi, Deng, Weiwei, Tan, Houmin, Fan, Wenping, Chen, Zhiye
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.03.2020; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Calcium; Humans; Joint Dislocations; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Prospective Clinical Research Report; Temporomandibular Joint Disc - diagnostic imaging; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Tomography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; dual-layer detector CT; Temporomandibular disorders; magnetic resonance imaging; spectral detector CT; calcium-suppressed technique; temporomandibular joint
• ISSN: 0300-0605; 1473-2300
• DOI: 10.1177/0300060519891332

Objectives To investigate the application value of the calcium-suppressed (CaSupp) images of dual-layer detector computed tomography (DLCT) in the evaluation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs. Methods Thirty-three healthy subjects underwent DLCT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. CaSupp images were reconstructed from the spectral-based images using a calcium suppression algorithm. The location, morphology, and thickness of the posterior band of the TMJ discs were evaluated on the oblique sagittal proton-density weighted images and CaSupp images. Results Of the 66 TMJ discs, anterior displacement was observed on 9 TMJ discs on MR images and 6 TMJ discs on CaSupp images, and posterior displacement was present on 3 TMJ discs on MR and CaSupp images. No significant difference was observed in TMJ disc displacement between MR images and CaSupp images (P value = 0.730). The TMJ discs without displacement had no significant difference in the thickness of the posterior band between the MR and CaSupp images (P value = 0.401). Conclusions The calcium-suppressed technique in DLCT may be a simple and preliminary way to evaluate the TMJ disc displacement and structure.