The frequency and nature of incidental findings in large-field cone beam computed tomography scans of an orthodontic sample

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the nature and frequency of incidental findings in large-field maxillofacial cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: A total of 427 consecutive CBCT radiologic reports obtained for orthodontic purposes were retrospectively reviewed. Findings were summarized and categorized into six anatomic categories. RESULTS: A total of 842 incidental findings were reported in the 427 CBCT scans (1.97 findings/scan). The most prevalent findings were those located in the airway (42.3%), followed by the paranasal sinuses (30.9%), dentoalveolar (14.7%), surrounding hard/soft tissues (4.0%), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (6.4%), and cervical vertebrae (1.3%) regions. Non-odontogenic findings, defined as those located outside the dentition and associated alveolus, represented 718 of the 842 (85.3%) findings. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the high occurrence of incidental findings in large-field maxillofacial CBCT scans in a sample of orthodontically referred cases. The majority are extragnathic findings, which can be normally considered outside the regions of interest of many dental clinicians. Specifically, incidental findings in the naso-oropharyngeal and paranasal air sinuses are the most frequent. This underscores the need for comprehensive review of the entire data volume and the requisite to properly document all findings, regardless of the region of interest. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40510-014-0037-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.