Comparison of terahertz and ultrasound imaging in the assessment of oral soft tissue lesions

Abstract

<h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of terahertz (THz) beams in intraoral soft tissue lesions by comparing them with ultrasonography. <h3>Study Design</h3> Ethical Approval was obtained for the present study. Intraoral lesions of patients who were examined in Ankara University, Dentistry Faculty, Dentomaxillofacial Radiology Department were included in this study. A total of 30 oral mucosal lesions were assessed by using high frequency ultrasound ACUSON S 2000 (Siemens, Munchen, Germany) and Terahertz Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) method. Characteristic and dimensional measurements of the lesions were compared. Ultrasonography assessment was conducted by using a 15 MHz intraoperative probe. Lesions were excised after ultrasonographic examination. After excision, assessment of excised lesions was conducted at our laboratory by use of Terahertz Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) in the light. One researcher assessed the measurements twice at two different times. Measurements were compared by Bland and Altman and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Significance was established at <i>p</i> < 0.05. <h3>Results</h3> ICC values calculated for intraobserver agreement for all measurements were found to be statistically significant (<i>p</i> <0.001). In general, for ultrasound measurements we found a mean difference ranging between -0.120 and +0.230 mm in comparison to THz. <h3>Conclusion</h3> THz imaging can be suggested as a promising technology and an adjunct to common imaging modalities in the assessment of oral soft tissue lesions. <b>Statement of Ethical Review</b> Human/Animal subjects were used and this study was approved by an institutional ethics panel