Salivary gland anlage tumour of the nasopharynx: A case report and review for histopathological characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital salivary gland anlage tumour of the nasopharynx is a lesion which usually presents with nasal and upper respiratory tract obstruction in the neonatal period. Timely diagnosis is essential to prevent the occurrence of respiratory complications in later childhood. CASE REPORT: We present a 8-year-old boy complaining from difficulty in breathing and breastfeeding in the neonatal period due to an adenoid-like nasopharyngeal mass. Histological examination revealed solid and cystic squamous nests and numerous duct-like structures within collagenised stroma. Both epithelial and myoepithelial differentiation were noted in the tubular component. DISCUSSION: A review of the clinical and histopathological features of published cases revealed that ancient lesions showed more prominent and complex epithelial component and more collagen rich stroma. We would like to suggest the possibility of salivary gland anlage tumour to be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress cases.

Ligneous periodontitis in a child with plasminogen deficiency.

Ligneous periodontitis (LP), a rare periodontal disease, is seen secondary to plasminogen deficiency and fibrin deposition. It is characterized by nodular gingival enlargements and progressive destructive membranous periodontal disease. It generally ends with the early loss of teeth. Defective fibrinolysis and abnormal wound healing is the main pathogenesis of this rare disease and should be considered different from other mucosal systemic disorders. In this case report, we describe the management of ligneous periodontitis and ligneous conjunctivitis developing secondary to plasminogen deficiency in a 6-year-old girl.

A case of a sinonasal adenocarcinoma with metaplastic ossification.

Sinonasal adenocarcinomas are rare tumours, with three subtypes. They are mostly low-grade tumours, although they can also be aggressive. In this case report, we describe a 34-year-old patient with sinonasal adenocarcinomas. Within his nasal cavity was found an irregular mass. Given the intratumoral calcification and bone, the mass was thought to be a bone-producing tumour, such as an osteosarcoma. The pathological diagnosis was a sinonasal adenocarcinoma with extensive metaplastic bone. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a sinonasal adenocarcinoma with metaplastic ossification.

Effect of resveratrol on bone formation in the expanded inter-premaxillary suture: early bone changes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of local resveratrol (RSVL) administration on bone formation in response to expansion of the inter-premaxillary suture, in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty 50- to 60-day-old male Wistar rats were separated into two equal groups. Both groups were subjected to expansion, and 30 cN of force was applied to the maxillary incisors with helical-spring. Twenty-four hours after appliance placement, single-dose 10 µmol/kg RSVL in the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was injected to the inter-premaxillary suture in the experimental group. In the control group, the same amount of DMSO was injected to the suture of rats. Bone formation in the suture was evaluated histomorphometrically. The area of new bone (µm(2)), the perimeter around the new bone (µm), Feret's diameter (µm), the percentage of new bone to non-ossified tissue (%), and the number of osteoblast were measured and compared. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical evaluation at p < 0.05 level. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the groups for all histomorphometric parameters. New bone area (p < 0.001), bone perimeter (p < 0.001), Feret's diameter (p < 0.001), percentage of new bone (p < 0.001), and the number of osteoblast (p < 0.001) were significantly larger in the experimental group when compared with the control. Bone histomorphometric measurements revealed that bone architecture in the RSVL treated rats was improved. CONCLUSIONS: Local application of RSVL during the early stages to orthopedically expanded inter-premaxillary suture area may stimulate bone formation and shorten the retention period, in rats.

Effect of periosteal stimulation therapy on bone formation in orthopedically expanded suture in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effects of periosteal stimulation therapy (PST), on bone regeneration in response to expansion of the interpremaxillary suture, in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen male, 50-60 days old Wistar rats were divided into two equal groups (control and experimental). Both groups were subjected to expansion for 5 days, and 30 cN of force was applied to the maxillary incisors with helical spring. On the 2nd day of the expansion procedure in the experimental group, the periosteum over the interpremaxillary suture was stimulated locally by intraperiosteal penetrations with a hypodermic needle. Bone regeneration in the interpremaxillary suture was evaluated by bone histomorphometry and the new bone area, bone perimeter, feret's diameter and new bone/old bone percentage parameters were evaluated. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical evaluation at p < 0.05 level. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between groups for all investigated histomorphometric parameters. New bone area (p < 0.01), bone perimeter (p < 0.05), feret's diameter (p < 0.01) and new bone/old bone percentage (p < 0.01) measurements were significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control. Bone histomorphometric measurements revealed that bone architecture in the PST group was improved. CONCLUSIONS: Local stimulation of the periosteum of the sutural area during expansion stimulates bone formation and improves healing.

The effect of external beam irradiation timing on skin graft survival.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate skin graft integrity after external beam irradiation in a rat model. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups (A, B, C, D, A(c), B(c), C(c) and D(c)). A rectangular full-thickness skin graft was raised and reapplied to its original bed on the dorsum of each rat. Groups A(c), B(c), C(c) and D(c) were the control groups and were not given postoperative irradiation. After grafting, 25 Gy unfractioned cobalt(60) irradiation was administered to groups A, B, C and D on postoperative days 10, 20, 30 and 40, respectively. Histological samples were obtained 8 weeks after grafting. Dermal and epidermal thickness were measured by the KS-400 image analysis program. RESULTS: The difference in the epidermal and/or dermal thickness between the irradiated groups was not found to be significant. Furthermore, when histological features and the image analysis of the irradiated groups were compared with each other, there were no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although we are aware that experimental results may not directly translate to the clinical setting, the present study indicates that external radiotherapy can be performed to skin-grafted areas as early as 10 days postoperatively.

Human cytomegalovirus in peripheral giant cell granuloma.

BACKGROUND: The peripheral giant cell granuloma is a relatively common non-neoplastic inflammatory lesion of gingiva, but the etiopathogeny remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of human cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in a peripheral giant cell granuloma of a 47-year-old female. METHODS: The lesion was studied clinically, histopathologically, immunologically and virologically using established procedures. RESULTS: The gingival growth was located at the mesial surface of the maxillary left canine having a vital pulp. The mass was 12 x 21 mm in size and exhibited a smooth surface with no evidence of fluctuation on palpation. An excisional biopsy revealed giant cells in a fibrohistiocytic stroma with areas of haemorrhage. Serum protein levels and lymphocyte subsets were within normal limits, except CD3(+) and CD4(+) cells were below normal ranges. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes expressed p150,95 (CD11c/CD18) and CXCR-2 receptors within normal ranges, but the CXCR1 receptor showed decreased density, and CD15 were below normal range. A virological sample of the tooth surface adjacent to the gingival swelling yielded 7.6 x 10(3) copy-counts of cytomegalovirus and 4.3 x 10(3) copy-counts of Epstein-Barr virus. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and histological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of peripheral giant cell granuloma. Cytomegalovirus has the potential to induce multinucleated giant cells, and the possibility that the virus contribute to the development of peripheral giant cell granuloma merits further study.

Histomorphometric evaluation of delayed changes in masseter muscle after lengthening the rabbit mandible by distraction osteogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the delayed responses and changes of gradually lengthened masseter muscles of rabbit mandibles. STUDY DESIGN: Unilateral lengthening of rabbit mandibles was performed in 18 New Zealand rabbits for 7 days at the rate of 1 mm day(-1). Mandibles of animals were removed at months 3, 4, and 6 after distraction. Biopsy samples of distracted and contralateral side masseter muscles were histopathologically evaluated and mean area of muscle fibers (MAF) was evaluated with histomorphometric methods. Results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Mild to moderate atrophy of the fibers, and necrosis and myophagocytosis in some areas were the leading features at month 3 and which were decreased at month 4 in distracted side-muscle specimens, with no statistically significant differences when compared with non-distracted side muscles at the same periods. Almost completely, normal fibers were detected in distracted muscle specimens at month 6. Evidence of myopathic changes was found to disappear at month 6 and no significant difference was found in the MAF of distracted side muscles. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the masseter muscle could adapt to gradual lengthening of the mandible within 6 months. Regenerative features and some degree of atrophic changes that could be observed at months 3 and 4 disappeared at month 6, with adaptation of the fibers.

Histomorphometrical analysis of new bone obtained by distraction osteogenesis and osteogenesis by periosteal distraction in rabbits.

The aim of this study was to compare histomorphometrically the new bone tissue obtained using two different distraction methods, and evaluate these two methods in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. In 36 New Zealand adult male rabbits, divided into two groups, a gradual distraction was performed using a device placed on the lateral surface of the mandibular corpus. In one group osteotomy was not performed and osteogenesis by periosteal distraction (OPD) only was used. In the other group, conventional distraction osteogenesis (DO) was performed. After a 7-day latent phase, the same distraction protocol was applied to both groups. Each group of rabbits was further divided into three sub-groups killed on the 15th, 30th and 60th days of the consolidation period, and histological analysis was performed. The mean extent of newly formed bone tissue was 14.4 mm2 in the OPD groups and 25.4 mm2 in the DO groups. When compared statistically, there were significant differences between all the DO and OPD sub-groups. The newly formed bone tissue obtained by OPD was rich in interstitial fatty tissue. These results indicate that bone tissue newly formed by OPD is not suitable for occlusal forces.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2) expression and angiogenesis in intracranial ependymomas.

AIM: Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), the inducible key enzyme in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, appears to play a role in the regulation of progression, invasiveness and angiogenesis of various neoplasms including some glial tumors. Little is known about the role of Cox-2 in angiogenesis and proliferation of ependymomas. We studied Cox-2 expression, Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) and microvessel density (MVD) in 30 intracranial ependymomas and analyzed the relationship among these parameters to evaluate their importance in the tumor biology of ependymomas. RESULTS: The mean Ki-67 LI for all tumors ranged from 1 - 50% (mean 9%). Statistically significant difference was present for Ki-67 LI between ependymomas (grade II, WHO) and anaplastic ependymomas (grade III, WHO) (p < 0.001) (mean Ki-67 LI for ependymoma, 2.8%, for anaplastic ependymomas, 15.6%). Anaplastic ependymomas did not demonstrate a greater vascularization than ependymomas, and the MVD values were 84.5 +/- 39.7 for ependymomas, and 90.6 +/- 61.4 for anaplastic ependymomas. Cox-2 immunohistochemical expression was observed in 19 tumors (63%). Although Cox-2 expression was slightly higher in anaplastic ependymomas, it was not statistically significant. No correlation was found between Cox-2 expression and MVD and Ki-67 LI. CONCLUSION: Similar to morphologic and prognostic heterogeneity in ependymomas, Cox-2 expression, MVD and Ki-67 LI also show a great variability. Other factors may be more important for the proliferation and angiogenesis of ependymomas.

Concrescence of a mandibular third molar and a supernumerary fourth molar: report of a rare case.

Concrescence represents a rare developmental anomaly in which two fully formed teeth are joined along the root surfaces by cementum. Maxillary molars are the teeth most frequently involved, especially a third molar and a supernumerary tooth. Very few cases have been reported about the concrescence of a third molar and a supernumerary tooth. According to our current knowledge, this case report is the first in the literature in which concrescence is observed between a third molar and a supernumerary fourth molar in the mandible.

Case of osseous dysplasia with an unusual concentric, circular, radiological appearance.

Osseous dysplasia is an idiopathic process that is characterised by the replacement of normal bone with fibrous tissue and metaplastic bone. On radiographic images it may be predominantly radiolucent, predominantly radio-opaque, or mixed. We present a focal osseous dysplastic lesion with an unusual concentric, circular, radiographic appearance.

Hepatitis B complicated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

After the initial report of membranous glomerulopathy due to hepatitis B virus infection by Combes et al, other glomerular diseases - but rarely focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) association with HBV infection - have been reported. Herein we present an 8-year-old boy with chronic HBV infection complicated FSGS. The patient was initially regarded as idiopathic FSGS and started on an immunosuppressive schedule. The elevation of liver transaminases in the course of the therapy revealed the immunotolerated perinatal HBV infection. It was considered that immunosuppressive agents have induced viral replication. The treatment was changed to lamivudine alone. The nephrotic syndrome has already been improved with the seroconversion of anti-HBeAg and reduced liver functional tests by the tenth month of the treatment. This case is peculiar for the seldom association of FSGS with chronic HBV infection and treatment modality particularly for the countries where this viral infection is endemic.

Chondrosarcoma of the parapharyngeal space. A case report.

Chondrosarcomas are the malignant cartilagenous tumors and they are seen rarely in the head and neck area. They are usually slow growing lesions. The head and neck chondrosarcomas may show an aggressive course and the occurrence of this malignant cartilagenous tumor in the parapharyngeal space is only a few. They are mostly located in relation with jaw bones and base of the skull. Chondrosarcomas of the parapharyngeal space are limited in number and among them there is no low-grade one. In this case report, a case of low-grade chondrosarcoma which was treated with a simple excision without neck dissection was reported.

MIB-1 expression in odontogenic epithelial rests, epithelium of healthy oral mucosa and epithelium of selected odontogenic cysts. An immunohistochemical study.

The aim of this study is to investigate the proliferative potential of rests of odontogenic epithelium found in follicles of unerupted teeth, epithelium of oral mucosa and epithelial linings of various odontogenic cysts. MIB-1 expression was studied in the rests of odontogenic epithelium (n=10), healthy oral mucosa (n=10), odontogenic keratocysts (n=10) and other odontogenic cysts (n=10) using an avidin-biotin peroxidase technique on paraffin sections. The number of positively stained cells was counted on 10 representative areas of epithelium using a x40 objective. The average number of MIB-1 positive cells in each group was calculated. No MIB-1 positive cells were seen in the rests of odontogenic epithelium. The mean numbers of MIB-1 positive cells detected within the epithelium of oral mucosa, and of radicular and dentigerous cysts were similar. The number of MIB-1 positive cells was found to be increased in the presence of marked inflammatory cell infiltration. The highest number of MIB-1 positive cells was seen in the keratocysts. These findings suggest that removal of an unerupted tooth to prevent the possibility of neoplastic transformation of rests of odontogenic epithelium is not a justifiable rationale.

Botryoid odontogenic cyst: report of a case with extensive epithelial proliferation.

Botyroid odontogenic cyst (BOC) is considered a rare multilocular variant of the lateral periodontal cyst. In this report; clinical and histopathological features of a case of BOC found in mandibular mental region of a 32-year-old woman is presented. There was a multilocular radiolucency extending from the roots of the right premolar to the left premolar, involving almost the whole height of the mandible. Histologically, there was extensive intraluminal epithelial proliferation in the lining and MIB-1 positive cells were noted in the basal layer.

Mast cells in neuromuscular diseases.

The lectin Dolichos biflorus agglutinin has been used to identify mast cells in normal skeletal muscle and to investigate changes in their number in a wide range of human neuromuscular diseases and in rat muscle damaged by the local anaesthetic bupivacaine. Few mast cells were found in the perimysium of normal skeletal muscle but numbers were increased in human muscle biopsies which showed necrosis and regeneration of fibrosis. In bupivacaine-induced muscle damage, increased mast cell counts occurred during the necrotic phase and particularly during the phase of active regeneration. In addition, increased numbers of mast cells were observed in the underlying histologically normal muscle. These results show that mast cells are influenced by pathological changes in skeletal muscle and, in view of the known functions of mast cells in other tissues, it is possible that they are capable of modulating disease processes in muscle.

Odontogenic myxoma. Report of a periodontally-located case.

In this article, a case of odontogenic myxoma with deceptively bland radiographic findings and a clinical impression of periodontal abscess is presented.

A histopathological investigation on the effects of the bisphosphonate alendronate on resorptive phase following mucoperiosteal flap surgery in the mandible of rats.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to examine histopathologically whether local delivery of aminobisphosphonate (alendronate) could be effective in preventing the alveolar bone resorption associated with mucoperiosteal flaps. METHODS: Following mucoperiosteal flap elevation in the molar region of the rat mandible, a surgical pellet soaked with aminobisphosphonate was locally applied on the exposed bone surface and covered by flap. The determined parameters with a semi-quantitative subjective method for the histopathological evaluation were as follows: existing inflammatory cell infiltration of the related periodontal tissue; fibrotic component content and bundles of collagen fibers; the number and morphology of osteoclasts of the alveolar bone and interdental septum; existing resorption lacunae (osteoclast surfaces); and existing osteoblastic activity (forming surfaces). RESULTS: The results showed that while there were no detectable statistically significant differences between the saline and alendronate-treated groups on the existing inflammatory cell infiltration (ICI), number of osteoclasts, and osteoblastic activity, the results for the fibrotic and collagen component, osteoclast morphologies, and existing resorption lacunae were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that local application of the aminobisphosphonate alendronate can be used as an adjunct in therapy for reducing bone resorption following surgery. It can also be suggested for consideration that, even for the surgical approaches in dentistry where bone graft materials and/or dental implants are needed, using bisphosphonate may achieve a new dimension in periodontal therapy in the near future.

Destructive membranous periodontal disease (Ligneous periodontitis).

Generalized membranous gingival enlargement due to accumulation of amyloid or fibrin-like material is a rare, destructive and poorly defined disease entity. Some patients also show extraoral manifestations. The lesion is an involvement of periodontal tissues caused by the same process as ligneous conjunctivitis. In this report, 3 new cases, two of whom are siblings, are presented. Defective fibrinolysis and abnormal wound healing seem to be the main pathogenetic mechanism of this unusual disease, which should be evaluated systemically considering other mucosal involvement.