Reliability of Ultrasonography in differentially diagnosing periapical lesions of endodontic origin in comparison with Intra-oral periapical radiography and Cone-beam computed tomography: An in vivo study

BACKGROUND: Periapical granuloma, radicular cyst, and periapical abscess represent periapical changes of frequent occurrence. Addressing this diagnostic dilemma is a matter of great concern, as it aids in governing the treatment planning and predicting its outcome. AIM: To evaluate the comparative accuracy of ultrasonography (USG), intraoral periapical (IOPA) radiography, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in differentially diagnosing periapical lesions of endodontic origin. METHODS: Thirty-five patients having periapical lesions associated with anterior teeth requiring endodontic therapy were included in the study. The lesions were analyzed using IOPA radiographs, CBCT scans, and USG with color Doppler (CD). Periapical surgery ensued and enucleated tissue samples were subjected to histopathological analysis. To evaluate the accuracy, diagnoses made by each of the three modalities were compared with the gold standard histopathological reports, and the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of each were calculated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Cohen kappa (κ) was used for interrater reliability, and Pearson's contingency coefficient (C) was used for correlating findings of USG with histopathology. RESULTS: USG showed good concordance with histopathological findings (contingency coefficient: 0.664). It also showed a higher accuracy rate compared to IOPA radiography and CBCT in differentially diagnosing periapical lesions. CONCLUSION: USG with CD holds the potential to be used as a noninvasive adjunct in periapical diagnostics.