Accuracy of mean grey density values obtained with small field of view cone beam computed tomography in differentiation between periapical cystic and solid lesions

Aim To determine if small and medium field of view (FOV) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) adjusted grey density values can be used to distinguish between periapical cystic and solid lesions. Methodology Fifty‐seven patients with periapical lesions having retrievable small or medium FOV CBCT images and biopsy samples were included. Two oral and maxillofacial pathologists examined the biopsy samples to provide the gold standard diagnosis of cystic or solid lesion. From the CBCT images, two independent examiners recorded the minimum adjusted grey density value of each lesion twice. Intra‐examiner and inter‐examiner reliability of the measurements were analysed, and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the minimum grey values in distinguishing a solid from cystic lesion were calculated. A receiver operating curve for diagnostic ability of adjusted grey density values to differentiate between periapical cystic and solid lesions was obtained, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Results The intra‐ and inter‐examiner reliability of the grey density values of the lesions and dentine were excellent. The AUC was 0.44 (P‐value = 0.45). The adjusted grey density value with the greatest accuracy for differentiating between cystic and solid lesions had an accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 0.54, 1.00 and 0.075, respectively. Conclusions Small FOV CBCT adjusted grey density values obtained by the device used in the study could not distinguish between periapical cystic and solid lesions. Further developments in CBCT devices are needed to improve the accuracy of grey density measurements.