Clinicopathological and ultrastructural characterization of periapical actinomycosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinicopathological and the ultrastructural features of periapical actinomycosis (PA) cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the files of an oral pathology laboratory were retrieved and the findings of histopathological analysis were evaluated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), a modified Brown & Brenn, and Grocott stains as well as ultrastructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were utilized. RESULTS: Six cases were obtained, 4 females and 2 males, with a mean age of 34 year-old. Two cases were symptomatic, lower teeth and the anterior region were more commonly affected, and all cases were characterized by periapical radiolucencies. All cases presented sulfur granules with a ray-fungus or club-shaped pattern of the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon in HE-stained sections, with filamentous gram-positive bacteria aggregates highlighted by the modified Brown & Brenn stain. SEM analysis revealed abundant packed rod-like and filamentous bacteria associated with an extracellular amorphous material. EDX analysis showed predominant picks of calcium and sulfur in actinomycotic colonies. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that PA manifests either clinically and radiologically as a non-specific and heterogeneous condition and that the actinomycotic colonies consist in a calcium- and sulfur-rich matrix. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of submitting periapical specimens after surgical removal to histopathological analysis.

Clinicopathological analysis of head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma: A series of 10 cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: To describe the clinicopathological characteristics of a series of head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and to review the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases diagnosed as RMS affecting the head and neck region were retrospectively retrieved from the files of two Brazilian institutions from January 2006 to January 2017. Data on clinical features (sex, age and affected site), microscopic subtype, immunohistochemical results, treatment employed and follow-up status were obtained from the patient's medical charts. RESULTS: During the period considered, 10 cases of RMS were identified. Females predominated (4M:6F), the mean age at diagnosis was 16.5 years-old and the orbit was the most affected site (4 cases). Microscopically, most cases were classified as embryonal RMS (6 cases) and the Desmin/Myogenin/Myo-D1 immunohistochemical positivity was useful to confirm the diagnosis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were applied to 9 and 8 patients respectively, whereas 2 patients were treated by surgery. Recurrences occurred in 3 patients and distant metastasis in 2 cases. Nine patients were alive in their last follow-up, 3 of them with disease, whereas 1 patient died due to the disease. CONCLUSION: Head and neck RMS is an aggressive malignant neoplasm which demands especial concern to achieve early diagnosis and successful treatment.

Gingival granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis) as a primary manifestation of the disease.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a potentially lethal disease characterized by systemic necrotizing vasculitis, which affects small- and medium-sized blood vessels and is often associated with serum cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. The upper and lower respiratory tract and kidney are the most involved sites, but oral lesions can be identified in 6-13% of the cases, whereas in only 2% of the cases, oral manifestations represent the first signal of the disease usually as gingival swellings or unspecific ulcerations. Without treatment, the mainstay of which is the combination of immunosuppressants and systemic corticosteroids, GPA may run a fatal course. In this report we describe an original case of GPA affecting a 75-year-old female patient referred to our service due to a gingival swelling with 3-month duration. Although the patient was correctly diagnosed and promptly treated, she died 3 months after the initial diagnosis.

Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor 1 expression in odontogenic cystic lesions.

AIM: To evaluate parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor 1 (PTHR1) expression in odontogenic cystic lesions and to compare immunoexpression between the lesions. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-five radicular cysts, 22 dentigerous cysts and 17 keratocystic odontogenic tumours were evaluated. Immunohistochemical reactions against PHTR1 were carried out in 3-µm histological sections, and the expression and the intensity of PTHR1 expression were evaluated. For statistical analysis, the Fisher exact test was used, with a significance of 5%. RESULTS: The intensity of expression in the epithelial lining was significantly weaker in the radicular cyst (P = 0.007). However, in the fibrous capsule, the radicular cyst presented higher positivity for PTHR1 (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The probable co-expression of PTHrP and PTHR1 in odontogenic cystic lesions may eventually have an autocrine and/or paracrine stimulus in the epithelial and mesenchymal cells, inducing proliferation and lesion growth.

Clinicopathological study and treatment outcomes of 121 cases of ameloblastomas.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and histopathological findings and treatment modalities in all cases of ameloblastomas treated at the Sao Paulo Cancer Hospital, between 1953 and 2003. 121 case reports were retrieved from the medical files. Data were reviewed and statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meyer method and Cox proportional risk model. The patients' age ranged from 2 to 82 years (mean 33.2 years), with a slight female prevalence. Most cases were located in the posterior mandible (80%). Radiographically, 60% showed a multilocular pattern. 113 casees were solid ameloblastomas, and plexiforme subtype was the most common. Solid tumours were treated by wide resection, curettage and criosurgery, or curettage alone, and unicystic tumours by curettage and/or cryotherapy. The global mean recurrence rate was 22%, with a mean follow-up of 9.7 years. The ameloblastomas were predominantly solid, affecting the posterior mandible. Important factors for outcome were radiographically multilocular lesions, the presence of ruptured basal cortical bone and histologically follicular tumours.

Complex endodontic treatment of an immature type III dens invaginatus. A case report.

AIM: To report the endodontic treatment of an immature maxillary central incisor with dens invaginatus. SUMMARY: Dens invaginatus is a rare malformation of teeth, probably resulting from an infolding of the dental papilla during tooth development. The present case describes the complex endodontic treatment of a type III dens invaginatus in an immature maxillary central incisor with a necrotic pulp and abscess formation. The initial treatment goal was to achieve apexification of the pseudocanal root and conservative root canal treatment in the main canal. Following 1-year of treatment with calcium hydroxide dressings, radiography revealed a healing response, but no sign of a hard tissue barrier at the apex. Periapical surgery with the placement of a zinc oxide cement (IRM) root-end filling was considered successful at the 4-year follow-up. KEY LEARNING POINTS: The complexity of the canal system and open apex in dens invaginatus present a challenge to endodontic treatment. Correct diagnosis and treatment planning are fundamental to treatment of dens invaginatus. Periapical surgery is indicated in cases of unsuccessful apexification in immature teeth with dens invaginatus and nonvital pulp.

Oral avascular bone necrosis associated with chemotherapy and biphosphonate therapy.

BACKGROUND: Oral avascular bone necrosis is an important adverse effect of chemotherapy and biphosphate therapy. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in oral avascular bone necrosis in cancer patients assigned to undergo chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients presenting oral avascular bone necrosis were selected from the clinical files of five Stomatological Clinics in Brazil. Clinical data as well as treatment and prognosis information were obtained from all 14 patients. RESULTS: Twelve patients (86%) were submitted to biphosphonate therapy. The most important symptom was pain, present in all cases, and the mandible was the most common involved site. Most patients (79%) had their conditions managed by antibiotic therapy and surgical debridation; however complete response was achieved in only three cases (21%). CONCLUSION: Avascular bone necrosis is a serious oral side-effect of cancer chemotherapy, particularly in patients using biphosphonates, and antibiotic therapy and surgical debridation were not able to promote complete response in most cases.

Lipomas of the oral cavity: clinical findings, histological classification and proliferative activity of 46 cases.

Lipomas represent about 1 to 5% of all neoplasms of the oral cavity. Although relatively common, few large series of intraoral lipomas and its variants are seen in the literature. Therefore, the authors present the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features of 46 cases of intraoral lipomas reviewed from the files of the University of Campinas Dental School from 1970 to 2001. Most of the cases affected adults, without gender predilection, and the main involved sites were the buccal mucosa (21 cases), tongue (six cases), lips (six cases) and floor of mouth (five cases). The histological analysis revealed 21 cases of lipoma, 18 fibrolipomas, four intramuscular lipomas, two minor salivary gland lipomas and one spindle cell lipoma. PCNA and ki-67 expression indexes were higher in spindle cell lipoma, intramuscular lipomas and fibrolipomas compared to common lipomas, but the differences were not statistically significant. All lesions were removed surgically and none showed recurrence, regardless of the various proliferative activities.