The application of Hounsfield units in the differentiation of odontogenic benign lesions: A systematic review

Abstract

Context: Odontogenic lesions comprise a broad range of cysts and neoplasms. Often, multislice computed tomography (MCT) is requested before odontogenic lesions surgical treatment. Hounsfield units (HU) are a quantitative measurement of tissue radiodensity that could be applied in the differentiation of these lesions. Aims: This systematic literature review addresses the use of HU obtained by MCT in the evaluation of benign odontogenic lesions. Materials and Methods: Databases were searched and original research studies or case report manuscripts published up to April 2021 were included. The keywords “MCT” OR “multidetector computed tomography” OR “helicoidal computed tomography” OR “Hounsfield” OR “computed tomography number” combined with the keywords “maxillofacial pathology,” “oral pathology,” “dental tissue neoplasms,” “odontogenic cysts” were used, “odontogenic tumors,” and the histological denomination of benign odontogenic lesions according to the World Health Organization classification was applied. Only English language manuscripts and studies pertaining to HU were selected. Results: Nine investigations (six original articles and three case reports) regarding distinct benign odontogenic lesions were included in the review. Conclusions: The application of HU as a complementary tool in the assessment of odontogenic lesions is little explored by researchers but could be a useful tool in the differentiation of odontogenic lesions as the few studies available in the literature have already succeeded in differentiating between specific types of lesions. This systematic review is registered at the National Institute for Health Research International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Registration number: CRD42019116888.