Ultrasonography in Detection of Periapical Lesions – Preliminary Report

Background. Imaging of periapical lesions is essential in diagnosis and treatment. Radiography has limitations hence other methods are employed. Ultrasonograpy is a low−cost and widely available method with no radiation exposure. Objectives. The authors describe the use of ultrasound examination in detecting periapical bone lesions of maxil− lary process. Material and Methods. Echographic examination was performed using ultrasonic hand piece (Sinuscan, Oriola, Finland). The frequency of transducer was 3 MHz with power < 1 mW/cm2 and the dimension of the probe 8 mm. Three patients presented with maxillary cysts were examined. The exploration depth of the device was 4 cm. The echo received from the back wall of the fluid filled bony defect was detected and displayed as a characteristic A−mode curve on a LCD. The results were compared with radiological images and histopathological examination. Conclusions. The method proved its compliance with radiological examination in presented cases. Described method may be useful in differential diagnosis between odontogenic cysts and alveolar recess of maxillary sinus, especially in case of uncertain radiological evaluation (Dent. Med. Probl. 2007, 44, 4, 445–448).