Detection of mandibular condyle pesudocysts in panoramic radiographs: Digital and film-based radiology

Objective: To determine the detection rate of mandibular condyle pseudocyst in both digital panoramic radiographs and film-based panoramic radiographs. Method and Materials: All film-based and digital panoramic radiographs of patients treated at our institute during a 4-month period were analyzed by two experienced practitioners. Diagnosis of a condylar pseudocyst was based on the following criteria: appearance of cyst-like radiolucency, partially or completely circumscribed by radiopaque border, located at the anterior aspect of mandibular condyle. Results: 825 radiographs (415 film-based, 410 digital) were included in the study. In 342 (41.5%) radiographs at least one condylar pseudocyst was observed, with no differences between radiograph type, 173 (42.2%) in digital and 169 (40.7%) in film-based radiographs (P = .36). Condylar pseudocyst detection rate was positively associated with older age (P .001), whereas gender had no influence (P = .93). Conclusion: An equally high detection rate of condylar pseudocyst was found in digital and film-based panoramic radiographs. Keywords: cyst, digital radiology, mandible, panoramic radiograph, temporomandibular joint