Clinical application of multi-material artifact reduction (MMAR) technique in Revolution CT to reduce metallic dental artifacts.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the performance of Revolution CT virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with the multi-material artifact reduction (MMAR) technique in reducing metal artifacts in oral and maxillofacial imaging. RESULTS: There were significant differences in image quality scores between VMI + MMAR images and VMI+MARS (multiple artifact reduction system) images at each monochromatic energy level (p = 0.000). Compared with the MARS technology, the MMAR technology further reduced metal artifacts and improved the image quality. At VMI90 keV and VMI110 keV, the SD, CNR, and AI in the Revolution CT group were significantly lower than in the Discovery CT, but no significant differences in these parameters were found between two groups at VMI50 keV, VMI70 keV, and VMI130 keV (p > 0.05). The attenuation was comparable between two groups at any energy level (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the MARS reconstruction technique of Discovery CT, the MMAR technique of Revolution CT is better to reduce the artifacts of dental implants in oral and maxillofacial imaging, which improves the image quality and the diagnostic value of surrounding soft tissues.