Three-dimensional tomographic assessment of the upper airway using 2 different imaging software programs: A comparison study

•Comparison of 2 the most used software programs for upper airway assessment.•Significant sample size (n = 50) composed using strict inclusion criteria.•Results show that both are reliable assessment. IntroductionSeveral imaging with different tools available (UAW) analysis by means cone beam computed tomography. Because this wide variability, study aimed to compare reproducibility two on UAW segmentation, is, Dolphin Imaging (Dolphin and Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif) Mimics Research (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium).MethodsThe consisted 50 scans adult subjects Class III malocclusion; pharyngeal volume minimal cross-sectional area (mCSA) were assessed twice experienced evaluators programs. Intra- intersoftware and/or evaluator agreement calculated intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Bland-Altman was visualize interevaluator agreement.ResultsUsing Imaging, respective mean values (cm3) 27.1 ± 8.4 24.7 8.1 (P < 0.05) mCSA (mm2) 167.8 95.5 176.5 102.3 0.05). Although differences between packages observed analyzed variables, results showed a high agreement, ICC 0.87 (volume) 0.97 bias 24.6 −8.8 (mCSA). A intrasoftware also observed, varying from 0.83 0.99. Excellent intra- obtained, 0.93 0.99.ConclusionsDolphin individually provide highly reproducible results, clinically acceptable them providing consistent mCSA. Several Belgium). The agreement. Using