Evaluation of temporal bone pneumatization using panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography

Aim: To evaluate the presence and characteristics of pneumatizations in the roof of the mandibular fossa and articular eminence by panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This study analyzed CBCT images of the temporomandibular joint of 705 patients, In 60 exams, it was possible to compare tomographic with panoramic images. For cases where pneumatization was present, laterality and pattern of manifestation were considered. A chi-square test was used to compare the differences between CBCT and panoramic radiography in the diagnosis of pneumatization. Results: Descriptive analysis revealed a sample profile that was predominantly female (75.9%), with a mean age of 42.6 years (± 17.4). The presence of pneumatizations in the roof of the mandibular fossa and articular eminence in CBCT images was identified in 330 (46.8%) and 154 (21.8%) exams, respectively, and the most frequent pneumatization pattern was the multilocular type in both locations. Bilateral pneumatization was more prevalent in the roof of the mandibular fossa. Considering the analysis of 60 pairs of exams, in panoramic radiography, pneumatizations in the roof of the mandibular fossa and articular eminence were identified in 22 (36.7%) and 12 (20.0%) examinations, respectively. Regarding CBCT images, pneumatizations in the roof of the mandibular fossa was observed in 24 (40.0%) exams, while articular eminence was found in 14 (23.3%) images. There were no statistically significant differences between the proportion of pneumatization identified by panoramic radiography and CBCT (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that panoramic radiography may be an imaging method used to evaluate pneumatization in the temporomandibular joint region. Uniterms: Temporal bone. Temporomandibular joint. Panoramic radiography. Cone beam computed tomography.