Photon-counting CT and 0.55 T MRI-a novel diagnostic imaging method for evaluating orofacial clefts: a case report.
Markus Kopp, Martin Zeilinger, Patrick Hoss et al.
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Case in brief
A 15-year-old boy with a complete left-sided cleft lip, alveolus, and palate was assessed before orthodontic movement of teeth adjacent to the cleft. Routine two-dimensional imaging showed unclear apical findings at teeth 13 and 27, while three-dimensional assessment of the cleft region was also needed. The report describes a multimodal imaging approach using photon-counting computed tomography and low-field 0.55 T magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate these concerns in a pediatric patient.
What made this case unusual
The case combined photon-counting CT with low-field 0.55 T MRI for three-dimensional assessment of an orofacial cleft and unclear dental apical findings in a child, as an approach tailored to pediatric imaging needs.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
When two-dimensional orthodontic imaging leaves apical findings unclear and cleft-adjacent tooth movement requires three-dimensional assessment, multimodal imaging may be considered to address the diagnostic questions in pediatric patients.
Why it matters
The report highlights the need to weigh diagnostic requirements against cumulative ionizing-radiation exposure in children with orofacial clefts who undergo repeated dental imaging.