Interobserver and intraobserver variability in the radiological assessment of sialolithiasis using cone beam computed tomography

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the inter- and intraobserver variability in the radiological assessment of sialolithiasis using cone beam computed tomography are missing in the current literature. This study assessed the inter- and intraobserver variability in the radiological assessment of sialolithiasis using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 107 patients, 130 salivary glands (65 parotid and 65 submandibular) with clinical signs of obstruction were assessed by four independent observers; 2 residents OMFS and 2 experienced OMFS. The observers analyzed the CBCT images and determined the absence or presence of one or more salivary stones in the affected gland. This procedure was repeated after three months. RESULTS: Interobserver agreements showed kappa values of 0.84 for the parotid gland, and 0.93 for the submandibular gland. Intraobserver agreements for the whole group reported kappa values between 0.83 - 0.95. There was no significant difference between residents and experienced OMFS. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the good inter- and intraobserver agreement, CBCT appears to be a reproducible imaging modality for detecting salivary stones in patients with signs and symptoms of obstructed parotid and submandibular glands. Key words:Salivary gland calculi, cone-beam computed tomography, observer variation.