Assessment of interobserver reliability in localization of hard and soft tissue landmarks and three-dimensional measurements of the upper airway based on these landmarks using CBCT images

Abstract

: To assess reliability in localization of hard and soft tissue landmarks of the upper airway and three-dimensional measurements of the upper airway based on these landmarks using CBCT images. : 22 full field of view (FOV) CBCT scan volumes were selected randomly and retrospectively made at the CBCT unit of Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Six anatomic landmarks that are relevant for upper airway analysiswere located and subsequently three-dimensional measurements (volume, minimum cross-sectional area (CSA), location of the CSA, anteroposterior and lateral dimensions of the CSA) in all planes (coronal, sagittal, axial) were performed based on these land marks by two observers, using Romexis software (4.2.0 R 10/13/15). : Correlation analysis by Cronbach’s Alpha.: Interobserver reliability of the landmark localization was excellent (Internal consistency 0.97-0.99) and for the three-dimensional upper airway measurements were good (Internal consistency 0.62-0.99).: The interobserver reliability of anatomical landmarks localization and three-dimensional measurements of the upper airway are good to excellent using Romexis software. Therefore, this methodology can be recommended for the upper airway analysis using CBCT images.