Advanced ENT assessment using Cone Beam Computed Tomography, What are Current applications and future opportunities? A brief review of literature

Cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT) is a medical imaging technique with high geometric accuracy and three dimensional (3D) reconstruction capacity. CBCT has enormous potential to be used as an alternative imaging modality by Otolaryngologists. The aim of this review study is to evaluate and provide an overview on the applications of CBCT in Ear, nose and Throat (ENT) specialty. A brief review from 2015 to 2021 was conducted using specialized databases including PubMed, EBSCO, Science Direct, Scopus, and ProQuest. A total of 114 articles were included in which 27 articles were eligible for further analysis. The results indicated that the effective use of CBCT in para-nasal sinus evaluations in detection of either normal variations or pathologies such as inflammation, sinusitis and masses. In addition this modality is used in assessment of bony structures of head and face and nasal skeleton prior to rhinoplasty, sinus lift surgeries and augmentation, midfacial traumatology. Moreover, CBCT is efficient in airway analysis, obstructive sleep apnea assessment, follow up of cochlear implants, dacrocystography and etc. In conclusion, CBCT is a promising imaging modality in ENT assessment. There is a lack of knowledge regarding CBCT and its usage in ENT disorders. CBCT imaging is a budding field and unlocking its potentials will result in increased application in ENT disorders.