Morphological CBCT parameters for an accurate differentiation between nasopalatine duct cyst and the normal nasopalatine canal.

BACKGROUND: The incisive foramen width was a traditional imaging criterion for diagnosing nasopalatine duct (NPD) cysts. Recent CBCT studies demonstrated significant dimensional variations of the nasopalatine canal, which raised questions about the accuracy of this criterion. This study investigated whether nasopalatine canal diameters assessed on CBCT images can accurately differentiate NPD cysts from normal nasopalatine canals. METHODS: The study included 19 patients with NPD cysts (12 (63.2%) males, 7 (36.8%) females, mean age 44.7 ± 13.3), and a control group of 164 patients (72 (43.9%) males, 92 (56.1%) females, mean age 47.25 ± 17.74). CBCT images were retrospectively evaluated. The following nasopalatine canal diameters were measured on reference sagittal, coronal, and axial reformation images: nasal opening anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) diameter, oral opening AP (APOO) and ML (MLOO) diameter, nasopalatine canal length, minimum ML (minML) diameter, anterior wall expansion (AWE), nasopalatine canal angle, and the mid-level AP diameter (midAP). All parameters were compared between groups. Discriminant functional analysis (DFA) was applied to detect CBCT parameters that best differentiate the NPD cyst from the normal canal. RESULTS: Patients with NPD cyst had significantly greater values of APOO (7.06 ± 2.09 vs. 5.61 ± 1.70), MLOO (6.89 ± 2.95 vs. 3.48 ± 1.24), minML (2.88 ± 1.53 vs. 2.25 ± 1.09), AWE (2.15 ± 0.65 vs. 0.41 ± 0.67), and midAP (4.58 ± 1.61 vs. 2.48 ± 0.96). DFA showed MLOO, AWE, and midAP as the most accurate in distinguishing NPD cyst from the normal canal. When combined in the discriminant function equation X = 0.390·MLOO + 1.010·AWE + 0.288·midAP (cut score 1.669), the differentiation can be performed with a sensitivity and specificity of 98.8% and 76.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: NPD cysts can be accurately distinguished from the normal nasopalatine canal by measuring MLOO, AWE, and midAP diameter on CBCT images.

Bilateral Maxillary Duplication in Tessier No. 7 Cleft: An Uncommon Congenital Deformity with a Challenging Radiological Diagnosis.

Tessier No. 7 cleft, known as lateral facial cleft, is a rare and understudied entity with an incidence of 1/80,000-1/300,000 live births. Besides perioral tissue abnormalities manifesting as macrostomia, Tessier 7 cleft also involves anomalies of the underlying bony structures. It can appear as part of a syndrome, such as Treacher-Collins syndrome or Goldenhar/Orbito-Auriculo-Vestibular Spectrum, or as an isolated form (unilateral or bilateral) with variable expressions. Bilateral maxillary duplication in Tessier 7 cleft is considered extremely rare, accounting for only two previously presented cases. Given that the cases presented in the literature mainly focus on clinical appearance and surgical treatment, without providing sufficient imaging, we aim to present key radiological features of Tessier 7 cleft in terms of evaluating the involved structures, which is essential for the therapeutic approach and final outcome. A 17-year-old male with incompetent lips and orthodontic abnormalities was referred to our Radiology Department for orthopantomography (OPG) and CT examinations. Hetero-anamnestic data revealed a history of surgical treatment of the commissural cleft conducted 2 months after the birth to enable feeding. Intraoral examination showed a maxillary cleft and supernumerary teeth. Since the given clinical presentation was inconclusive, radiological diagnostics took precedence in elucidating this complex entity.

Chondrosarcoma of the Alveolar Process of the Mandible Initially Suspected to Be a Periodontal Lesion.

Chondrosarcoma (CS) initially suspected to be a periodontal lesion is atypical and rare. To the best of our knowledge, only six similar cases have been reported so far. A 47-year-old woman presented with a discreet swelling of the alveolar process of the mandible, while adjacent mucosa appeared normal. Upon initial intraoral radiography, a periodontal lesion was suspected by the ordinating dentist. Further radiological evaluations included CBCT, CT, and MRI, which showed a thickening of the supporting bone with ground-glass foci but without visible calcifications. The periodontal space of the affected teeth appeared to be uniformly widened. The destruction of the vestibular and lingual cortex was observed, as well as a discreet periosteal reaction, implying the secondary involvement of these teeth and not the odontogenic nature of the lesion. The lesion was restricted to the alveolar process of the mandible, and the bone marrow was not affected. Upon biopsy, a preliminary histopathology report suggested chondrosarcoma, and the patient underwent surgery. It is important to emphasize the possible malignant nature of atypical lesions in the alveolar bone, especially in cases with the expansion of vestibular and lingual cortical plates. Additionally, postoperative "watch and see" follow-ups may be considered in cases of CS in the jaws.

Age-at-death estimation based on micro-CT assessment of pubic symphysis: Potentially new methodological approach.

BACKGROUND: Although various methods for age-at-death estimation of skeletal remains are available, this is still an unsolved issue in forensic anthropology, especially concerning elderly individuals. Moreover, the lack of population-specific methods often made age-at-death estimation unreliable in other populations. AIM: Our study aimed to examine whether micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis of pubic bone samples obtained from the contemporary Serbian population could be used in anthropological and forensic practice for age-at-death estimation. METHODOLOGY: This study encompassed 62 pubic samples obtained from 26 adult male and 36 adult female cadaveric donors (age range: 22-91 years). Initially, staging according to the Suchey-Brooks phases was performed by two experienced investigators, followed by micro-CT assessment of pubic bone trabecular and cortical compartments (spatial resolution of the scans was 10 µm). RESULTS: Our results revealed an age-associated decline in trabecular and cortical micro-architecture of elderly male and female individuals, with the most prominent changes present in trabecular bone volume fraction and total porosity of the anterior and posterior cortical surface of the pubic bone. Those parameters were used to generate age-at-death estimation equations. One sample t-test did not reveal a significant difference between estimated age-at-death and real (known) age-at-death in the overall sample (mean absolute error [MAE] of 4.76 years), female (MAE of 9.66 years) and male cadaveric donors (MAE of 6.10 years, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that micro-architectural features of trabecular and cortical compartments of pubic bone could potentially be applied as an additional reliable method for age-at-death estimation in the Serbian population.

Assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis severity indicators: radiological and clinical perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus mucosa. The aim of this study was to examine which of the available radiological and clinical parameters is the best indicator of the CRS severity. METHODOLOGY: In order to classify CRS, we used both a subjective assessment tool such as SNOT-22 questionnaire, as well as an objective tool such as clinical examination. We introduced three forms of CRS (mild, moderate and severe). Within these groups, we evaluated the computerized tomography (CT) parameters used as an indicator of bone remodeling, the Lund-Mackay score (LMS), CT properties of the soft tissue content in the maxillary sinuses, presence of nasal polypus (NP), presence of fungal infection and parameters indicating allergic status. RESULTS: Frequencies of NP, positive eosinophil count, presence of fungi, areas of high attenuation, and duration of CRS and LMS significantly increased with the increased severity of CRS. Anterior wall thickness and density increased in the severe forms of CRS in the group assessed by SNOT-22. Positive correlation was detected between LMS and maximal density of sinus content and between duration of CRS and anterior wall thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Morphological changes of sinus wall detected in CT could be a useful indicator of CRS severity. Changes in bone morphology are more likely to occur in patients with longer-lasting CRS. The presence of fungi, allergic inflammation of any origin and nasal polypus potentiates more severe forms of CRS both clinically and subjectively.

'CT and CT image-based texture image analysis in radiological diagnostics of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis'.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study is focused on evaluating radiological properties of AFRS. We analysed specific CT features related to the presence of AFRS, as well as explored the possible usefulness of the texture image analysis (TIA) as an additional diagnostical parameter. METHODS: The CT images of maxillary sinuses of 37 adult patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis were analysed for homogeneity, high-attenuation areas, density of the soft tissue mass, bony wall thickness and density. TIA included assessment of uniformity, contrast, homogeneity and entropy of sinus content. RESULTS: In the F+ group, soft tissue mass was significantly more non-homogeneous, high-attenuation areas were more prevalent, while soft tissue densities were higher. The sinus wall showed a tendency towards decreased thickness and significantly higher density in the F+ group. Among TIA parameters only homogeneity was significantly lower in the F+ group. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of fungi should be suspected when the sinus is filled with a non-homogenous soft tissue content of a high CT density not necessarily presented as clearly visible hyperattenuation material. Additional criteria in radiological diagnostics of AFRS should encompass assessment of sinus bony wall density. TIA may serve as a tool for quantitative assessment of subjective CT features such as homogeneity of the soft tissue mass for investigative purposes. However, other TIA parameters showed limited potential.

Can lower third molar position indicate the need for preoperative cone beam computed tomography exploration of retromolar canal?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to reveal whether and which position of lower third molar (M3), assessed on a 2D image, indicates or potentially exclude the need for the CBCT exploration of the retromolar canal (RMC). We hypothesized that some positions of M3 are associated with overall higher incidence of the RMC, and particularly clinically relevant ones, thus justifying additional CBCT diagnostics. METHODS: CBCT exam of 186 hemi-mandibles with present M3 were selected for the study. Explorations were made during the 2-year period from January 1th 2018 to December 31th 2019 with Scanora 3Dx Sorodex (Tussula, Finland). The following variables were assessed: the presence and width of the RMC, eruption status, and angulation of the M3. The RMC presence in relation to the M3 eruption status and angulation was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: RMC was present in 89 (47.8%) out of 186 hemi-mandibles. Mean canal width was 1.51 mm. 22.5% of detected canals had the diameter exceeding 2 mm. Third molar's eruption status showed no statistical correlation with the occurrence of RMC. We observed significantly higher occurrence of RMC in the hemi-mandibles containing distally angulated M3 in comparison to other orientations (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Based upon our findings, we recommend preoperative CBCT in cases where distal angulation of M3 is observed on 2D images, for the purpose of RMC exploration. Lower resolution CBCT mode and limited field of view (XS or S) are sufficient for the visualization of potentially clinically relevant RMCs, with as much reducing the patient dose.

Biparietal osteodystrophy: Macroscopic appearance, computed tomography imaging and microarchitectural analysis.

Anatomical or morphological variations of the skull bones usually do not attract much attention among forensic pathologists. However, these variations can sometimes be an important marker in forensic identification of a person or represent a missing piece when solving a cranial trauma puzzle. In this article, we were interested in peculiar presentation of the thinning of both parietal bones (biparietal osteodystrophy). The course and etiology of this condition still remain unknown. In three autopsy cases with biparietal osteodystrophy (three females aged 95, 90 and 83) and no head trauma, we used conventional (CT) and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) imaging of the skull and parietal bone specimens containing normal bone, transitional zone and thinned bone with osteodystrophy. CT images demonstrated an oval-shaped resorptive parietal bone depression with smooth contours, without marginal osteosclerotic changes or involvement of cranial sutures. In the transitional zone, micro-CT scans showed a decrease in total bone thickness and the thickness of diplöe, while inner and outer tables showed increased porosity. At the site of maximal thinness of the parietal bone, inner and outer tables fused and formed a thin layer of cortical bone. Skull thinning appeared due to the reduced thickness of diplöe, leading to egg-shell thinning in the central area of the parietal bones. A forensic pathologist should be familiar with this benign condition in order not to confuse it with resorptive bone diseases.

Micro-computed Tomography Study of Frontal Bones in Males and Females with Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna.

Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) represents irregular thickening of the endocranial surface of the frontal bone, mostly seen in postmenopausal females. The microarchitecture of this condition is poorly studied. The aim of this cross-sectional autopsy study was to investigate and compare microarchitectural structure of the frontal bone affected with HFI in both sexes and to test whether HFI severity could be distinguished at the microarchitectural level. The sample was taken from human donor cadavers, 19 males (61 ± 15 years old) and 17 females (75 ± 15 years old). After classification of HFI severity (type A, B, C or D), samples of the frontal bone were taken and scanned using micro-computed tomography. Bone volume fraction was higher and total porosity lower only in the outer table of males with HFI, compared to females with HFI. Mean total sample thickness differed only between males with HFI type A and D. Bone microarchitecture between males and females with corresponding HFI types (e.g., male with type A versus female with type A) differed only in HFI type C regarding the fractal dimension of diploe. The degree of anisotropy differed between HFI subtypes in males, but the post hoc analysis revealed no significant differences between individual groups. Other microarchitectural parameters did not differ among males with different HFI subtypes, as well in females, in any part of the frontal bone. There is no difference in microarchitectural structure of the frontal bone between males and females with HFI, in general aspect and within corresponding HFI subtypes. HFI severity could not be distinguished at the microarchitectural level, neither in males nor in females.

Radiological evaluation of Hyperostosis frontalis interna: is it of clinical importance?

Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) presents irregular thickening of the frontal bone. Even though HFI is frequently seen during routine radiological imaging, it usually remains unrecorded owing to a common belief that it just represents an incidental finding or anatomical variant. Recent studies implied that HFI may be clinically relevant. Etiology of HFI is still debated, while presumptions are mainly based on altered sex steroids impact on skull bone growth. Some authors implied that frontal bone might be particularly affected by this condition due to specificity of its underlying dura. In this paper we present a 27-years old female patient with a treatment resistant headache. Head CT showed massive, irregular bony mass, with lobulated contours arising from the right frontal bone, but did not cross the fronto-parietal suture, spearing the superior sagittal sinus and skull midline. After surgery, histopathological analysis of the frontal bone sample in our patient showed thickening pattern similar to those described in micro-CT studies of HFI. Furthermore, in an attempt to test speculation of the possible role of estrogen in pathogenesis of HFI, we investigated the expression of α-estrogen receptors on dura of the frontal region. These analyses confirmed nuclear expression of estrogen on frontal region dural tissue, supporting previous speculation of the development mechanisms of HFI and contributing to a better understanding of this common condition of the frontal bone. Additionally, the presence of HFI may result in severe symptomatology, which could be misinterpreted and related to other disorders if HFI is not radiologicaly recognized and reported.

Hyoid Bone and Thyroid Cartilage Metastases from Sigmoid Colon Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Secondary tumours of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage are extremely rare. In this paper, we present a case of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage metastases in a patient treated for sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma. CASE REPORT: Four years after sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma was diagnosed and treated with surgery and chemotherapy, the patient developed bone metastases in the left sacroiliac joint and right proximal humerus. Although the patient did not complain of any related symptoms, in a bone scintigraphy the accumulation of Technetium-99m was incidentally detected in the two sites of the anterior neck. On ultrasound examination there were two hyperechoic and heterogeneous masses with calcifications placed in front of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage. Computerized tomography demonstrated massive hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage destruction. CONCLUSION: In patients with progressive sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma, destruction of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage could be suspected for metastases.

3D-Microarchitectural patterns of Hyperostosis frontalis interna: a micro-computed tomography study in aged women.

Although seen frequently during dissections and autopsies, Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) - a morphological pattern of the frontal bone thickening - is often ignored and its nature and development are not yet understood sufficiently. Current macroscopic classification defines four grades/stages of HFI based on the morphological appearance and size of the affected area; however, it is unclear if these stages also depict the successive phases in the HFI development. Here we assessed 3D-microarchitecture of the frontal bone in women with various degrees of HFI expression and in an age- and sex-matched control group, hypothesizing that the bone microarchitecture bears imprints of the pathogenesis of HFI and may clarify the phases of its development. Frontal bone samples were collected during routine autopsies from 20 women with HFI (age: 69.9 ± 11.1 years) and 14 women without HFI (age: 74.1 ± 9.7 years). We classified the HFI samples into four groups, each group demonstrating different macroscopic type or stage of HFI. All samples were scanned by micro-computed tomography to evaluate 3D bone microarchitecture in the following regions of interest: total sample, outer table, diploe and inner table. Our results revealed that, compared to the control group, the women with HFI showed a significantly increased bone volume fraction in the region of diploe, along with significantly thicker and more plate-like shaped trabeculae and reduced trabecular separation and connectivity density. Moreover, the inner table of the frontal bone in women with HFI displayed significantly increased total porosity and mean pore diameter compared to controls. Microstructural reorganization of the frontal bone in women with HFI was also reflected in significantly higher porosity and lower bone volume fraction in the inner vs. outer table due to an increased number of pores larger than 100 µm. The individual comparisons between the control group and different macroscopic stages of HFI revealed significant differences only between the control group and the morphologically most pronounced type of HFI. Our microarchitectural findings demonstrated clear differences between the HFI and the control group in the region of diploe and the inner table. Macroscopic grades of HFI could not be distinguished at the level of bone microarchitecture and their consecutive nature cannot be supported. Rather, our study suggests that only two different types of HFI (moderate and severe HFI) have microstructural justification and should be considered further. It is essential to record HFI systematically in human postmortem subjects to provide more data on the mechanisms of its development.

Hyperostosis frontalis interna in postmenopausal women-Possible relation to osteoporosis.

To improve our understanding of hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI), we investigated whether HFI was accompanied by changes in the postcranial skeleton. Based on head CT scan analyses, 103 postmenopausal women were divided into controls without HFI and those with HFI, in whom we measured the thickness of frontal, occipital, and parietal bones. Women in the study underwent dual energy x-ray absorptiometry to analyze the bone density of the hip and vertebral region and external geometry of the proximal femora. Additionally, all of the women completed a questionnaire about symptoms and conditions that could be related to HFI. Women with HFI had a significantly higher prevalence of headaches, neurological and psychiatric disorders, and a significantly lower prevalence of having given birth. Increased bone thickness and altered bone structure in women with HFI was localized only on the skull, particularly on the frontal bone, probably due to specific properties of its underlying dura. Bone loss in the postcranial skeleton showed the same pattern in postmenopausal women with HFI as in those without HFI. Recording of HFI in medical records can be helpful in distinguishing whether reported disorders occur as a consequence of HFI or are related to other diseases, but does not appear helpful in identifying women at risk of bone loss.

Skeletal manifestations of hydatid disease in Serbia: demographic distribution, site involvement, radiological findings, and complications.

Although Serbia is recognized as an endemic country for echinococcosis, no information about precise incidence in humans has been available. The aim of this study was to investigate the skeletal manifestations of hydatid disease in Serbia. This retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical database of Institute for Pathology (Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade), a reference institution for bone pathology in Serbia. We reported a total of 41 patients with bone cystic echinococcosis (CE) during the study period. The mean age of 41 patients was 40.9±18.8 years. In 39% of patients, the fracture line was the only visible radiological sign, followed by cyst and tumefaction. The spine was the most commonly involved skeletal site (55.8%), followed by the femur (18.6%), pelvis (13.9%), humerus (7.0%), rib (2.3%), and tibia (2.3%). Pain was the symptom in 41.5% of patients, while some patients demonstrated complications such as paraplegia (22.0%), pathologic fracture (48.8%), and scoliosis (9.8%). The pathological fracture most frequently affected the spine (75.0%) followed by the femur (20.0%) and tibia (5.0%). However, 19.5% of patients didn't develop any complication or symptom. In this study, we showed that bone CE is not uncommon in Serbian population. As reported in the literature, therapy of bone CE is controversial and its results are poor. In order to improve the therapy outcome, early diagnosis, before symptoms and complications occur, can be contributive.