Brightness and contrast adjustments influence the radiographic detection of soft tissue calcification

Abstract

Objective To assess the influence of subjective enhancement of brightness and contrast of digital panoramic radiographs on the detection of soft tissue calcifications. Materials and Methods In this observational study, 500 digital panoramic radiographs were evaluated by two examiners in consensus, who scored the images for the presence of calcifications for each right and left side of the image. After 30 days, all images were revaluated under subjective manipulation of digital brightness and contrast. Calcifications were classified based on the diagnostic hypothesis: sialolith, tonsillolith, calcified atheroma, phlebolith, rhinolith, maxillary sinus antrolith, synovial chondromatosis, lymph node calcification, stylohyoid ligament, triticeous cartilage, or/and upper horn of thyroid cartilage calcification. For intra‐examiner agreement, 20% of the sample was reevaluated. The Kappa test and McNemar test were used (α = 0.05). Results In original images, calcifications were observed in 44.2% of the patients, and in enhanced images, this number was 70.8%. Many calcifications were detected only in enhanced images, mainly in the diagnostic hypotheses of calcified atheroma and stylohyoid ligament. Intra‐examiner agreement was excellent for the detection of soft tissue calcifications (0.82) and for the classification (0.81). Conclusion Subjective enhancement of brightness and contrast alters the detection of soft tissue calcifications in digital panoramic radiograph.

Radiographic Detection of the Relationship between Tonsilloliths and Dental Plaque-Related Pathologies in a Series of Digital Panoramic Radiographs

“…However, for a routine dental examination, the central role of this radiological technique has not yet been displaced by the availability of three-dimensional techniques [13]. Moreover, using digital panoramic radiography, image quality can be improved by adjustment of image brightness and contrast [27].…”

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in panoramic radiographs of the maxillofacial region of older adults

“…Another factor to be considered is that only the original images were analysed and the radiologist was not allowed to change the image features in order to increase the search for specific calcifications areas. Subjective improvement in parameters such as brightness and contrast has been shown to influence the detection of these soft tissue calcifications 25 . Probably, with improved image quality, a greater number of calcifications would have been identified.…”

“…Subjective improvement in parameters such as brightness and contrast has been shown to influence the detection of these soft tissue calcifications. 25 Probably, with improved image quality, a greater number of calcifications would have been identified.…”

Prevalence of calcified triticeous cartilage-compatible images on 2500 digital panoramic radiographs of a Brazilian population sample

“…However, panoramic radiography can assist in the early diagnosis of these processes, such as a routine examination. The clinician should refer the patient to a specialist or request more specific exams (ultrasonography, magnetic resonance, computed tomography) for diagnostic confirmation only in case of real need when atheroma is suspected for example 30 .…”