Enhanced Diagnostic Precision: Assessing Tumor Differentiation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Multi-Slice Spiral CT Texture Analysis.

This study explores the efficacy of texture analysis by using preoperative multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) to non-invasively determine the grade of cellular differentiation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In a retrospective study, MSCT scans of patients with HNSCC were analyzed and classified based on its histological grade as moderately differentiated, well-differentiated, or poorly differentiated. The location of the tumor was categorized as either in the bone or in soft tissues. Segmentation of the lesion areas was conducted, followed by texture analysis. Eleven GLCM parameters across five different distances were calculated. Median values and correlations of texture parameters were examined in relation to tumor differentiation grade by using Spearman's correlation coefficient and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. Forty-six patients were included, predominantly female (87%), with a mean age of 66.7 years. Texture analysis revealed significant parameter correlations with histopathological grades of tumor differentiation. The study identified no significant age correlation with tumor differentiation, which underscores the potential of texture analysis as an age-independent biomarker. The strong correlations between texture parameters and histopathological grades support the integration of this technique into the clinical decision-making process.

Three-Dimensional Volumetric Investigation of Onodi Cells: A Multi-Slice Computed Tomography Study

Abstract Introduction Onodi cells (OCs) are posterior ethmoid cells that are located above the sphenoid sinus, close to or even surrounding the carotid artery and optic nerve. Objective To investigate and evaluate the volumetric variation of OCs through multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scans. Methods We performed a retrospective review of MSCT scans of 79 subjects, 40 male and 39 female patients, Whose age ranged from 18 to 83 (mean: 39.6) years. The volumes of the OCs on the right and left sides were measured using the ITK-SNAP software (open-source) with semiautomatic segmentation. The possible relationships involving age, gender, contact with the optic nerve, extension of the pneumatization of the posterior ethmoid cells into the clinoid processes, mucous thickening in the anterior and posterior ethmoid cells, and obliteration of the sphenoethmoidal complex were analyzed with the Pearson correlation and Chi-squared tests according to the type of data compared and logistic regression models (p < 0.05). Results We observed that an increase of one unit in the volume of OCs also increases the chance of extension of pneumatization into the clinoid processes by 0.15% (p = 0.001). No significant correlations were identified regarding age, gender, and volume of the OCs. Conclusion The volume of the OCs has effects on the extension of pneumatization into the clinoid processes.

Effect of the pulsed electromagnetic field in the repair of a calvaria critical bone defect in rats: cone beam computed tomographic and histomorphometric analysis.: PEMF in the repair of a calvaria critical bone defect: CBCT analyses.

INTRODUCTION: The present study evaluated the effect of two protocols of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy on bone neoformation on calvaria critical defects in rats. MATERIAL & METHODS: 96 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Control Group (CG; n=32); Test Group - PEMF 1 hour (TG1h; n=32) and Test Group - PEMF 3 hour (TG3h; n=32). A Critical-size Bone Defect (CSD) was surgically created in the calvaria of rats. The animals in the test groups were exposure to PEMF for 5 days a week. The animals were euthanized at 14, 21, 45 and 60 days. The specimens were processed for volume and texture (TAn) analysis, by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and histomorphometric analysis, RESULTS: Histomorphometric and volume analyses revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the repair of bone defects between groups receiving PEMF therapy and CG. TAn revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups only for the entropy parameter, in which TG1h group presented a higher value compared to CG on 21 days. TG1h and TG3h did not accelerate bone repair in calvarial critical size defect and the parameters of PEMF should be considered. DISCUSSION: This study showed that PEMF application on CSD in rats does not accelerate bone repair. Although literature showed a positive association in biostimulation on bone tissue with the parameters applied, studies with other PEMF parameters are essential to verify improving this study design.

Magnetic resonance imaging texture analysis of the temporomandibular joint for changes in the articular disc in individuals with migraine headache / Análise de textura por ressonância magnética da articulação temporomanbibular com alterações no disco articular em individuos com cefaleia migranea

Objective: the aim of this study was to analyse the performance of the technique of texture analysis (TA) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) as a tool for identification of possible changes in individuals with migraine headache (MH) by relating the findings to the presence of internal derangements. Material and Methods: thirty MRI scans of the TMJ were selected for study, of which 15 were from individuals without MH or any other type of headache (control group) and 15 from those diagnosed with migraine. T2-weighted MRI scans of the articular joints taken in closed-mouth position were used for TA. The co-occurrence matrix was used to calculate the texture parameters. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the groups for gender, disc function and disc position, whereas Mann-Whitney's test was used for other parameters. The relationship of TA with disc position and function was assessed by using logistic regression adjusted for side and group. Results: the results indicated that the MRI texture analysis of articular discs in individuals with migraine headache has the potential to determine the behaviour of disc derangements, in which high values of contrast, low values of entropy and their correlation can correspond to displacements and tendency for non-reduction of the disc in these individuals. Conclusion: the TA of articular discs in individuals with MH has the potential to determine the behaviour of disc derangements based on high values of contrast and low values of entropy (AU)

Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o desempenho da técnica de análise de textura (AT) em exames de ressonância magnética (RM) das articulações temporomandibulares (ATM) como ferramenta para identificação de possíveis alterações em indivíduos com cefaléia migrânea (CM) relacionando os achados com a presença de desarranjos internos. Material e Métodos: trinta exames de RM das ATM foram selecionados para estudo, sendo 15 de indivíduos sem cefaleia migrânea ou qualquer outro tipo de cefaléia (grupo controle) e 15 diagnosticados com CM. As imagens de RM ponderadas em T2 das articulações realizadas na posição de boca fechada foram usadas para AT. A matriz de co-ocorrência foi usada para calcular os parâmetros de textura. O teste exato de Fisher foi usado para comparar os grupos quanto ao sexo, função do disco e posição do disco, enquanto o teste de Mann-Whitney foi usado para os demais parâmetros. A relação da AT com a posição e função do disco foi avaliada por meio de regressão logística ajustada para lado e grupo. Resultados: a AT por RM dos discos articulares em indivíduos com cefaleia migrânea tem o potencial de determinar o comportamento dos desarranjos discais, em que altos valores de contraste, baixos valores de entropia e sua correlação podem corresponder a deslocamentos e tendência a não redução do disco nesses indivíduos. Conclusão: a análise de textura dos discos articulares em indivíduos com CM tem potencial para determinar o comportamento dos desarranjos do disco com base em altos valores de contraste e baixos valores de entropia. (AU)

Dental care for patients with special needs at a private higher education institute / Atendimento odontológico a pacientes com necessidades especiais em uma instituição privada de ensino superior

Objetivo: Pacientes com necessidades especiais são aqueles indivíduos que necessitam de cuidados especiais por tempo indeterminado ou por toda a vida. O presente estudo tem como objetivo abordar o atendimento odontológico de pacientes com necessidades especiais em uma instituição privada de ensino superior da cidade de São Paulo. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, para análise de 210 prontuários odontológicos de pacientes com necessidades especiais atendidos no Departamento de Odontologia para Pacientes Especiais da Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul entre 2012 e 2018. Dados sobre sexo, idade, diagnóstico da condição debilitante, motivo da consulta, uso continuado de medicamentos, imagens radiográficas e tratamentos odontológicos prestados foram todos coletados e posteriormente submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e inferencial (teste do qui-quadrado) ao nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Quanto aos tipos de procedimentos odontológicos avaliados no presente estudo, dos 210 pacientes, 24% necessitaram de tratamentos curativos dentários em que a terapia periodontal foi o tipo mais prevalente, enquanto os tratamentos endodônticos tiveram a menor prevalência, representando apenas 4%. Houve alta prevalência de doenças crônicas sistêmicas, acometendo 56% dos casos, cuja faixa etária era superior a 40 anos. Conclusão: Check-ups odontológicos regulares devem ser priorizados em pacientes com necessidades especiais para evitar intervenções mais invasivas como em nosso grupo (AU)

Objective: Patients with special needs are those individuals who need special care for an undetermined period of time or for lifetime. The present study is aimed to address the dental care of special needs patients at a private higher education institute in the city of São Paulo. Material and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was performed for analysis of 210 dental records of special needs patients who were treated at the Dental Department for Special Patients of the Cruzeiro do Sul University between 2012 and 2018. Data on gender, age, diagnosis of the debilitating condition, reason of the consultation, continued use of medications, radiographic images and dental treatments provided were all collected before being submitted to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (chi-square test) at a significance level of 5%. Results: As for the types of dental procedures assessed in the present study, of the 210 patients, 24% needed dental curative treatments in which periodontal therapy was the most prevalent type, whereas endodontic treatments had the lowest prevalence, representing 4% only. There was a high prevalence of chronic systemic diseases, affecting 56% of the dental records, whose age group was above 40 years old. Conclusion: Regular dental check-ups should be prioritized in patients with special needs to avoid more invasive interventions as found in our group (AU)

Free three-dimensional image software in local extension assessment of oral squamous cell carcinoma: a pilot study

Abstract Objective: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is conventionally treated by surgical resection, and positive surgical margins strongly increase local recurrence and decrease survival. This study aimed to evaluate whether a Three-Dimensional Segmentation (3DS) image of OSCC confers advantage over Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR) of OSCC using images of computed tomography scan in surgical planning of tumor resection. Methods: Twenty-six patients with locally advanced OSCC had tumor morphology and dimensions evaluated by MPR images, 3DS images, and Surgical Pathology Specimen (SPS) analyses (gold standard). OSCC resection was performed with curative intent using only MPR images. Results: OSCC morphology was more accurately assessed by 3DS than by MPR images. Similar OSCC volumes and dimensions were obtained when MPR images, 3DS images and SPS measurements were considered. Nevertheless, there was a strong correlation between the OSCC longest axis measured by 3DS and SPS analyses (ICC = 0.82; 95% CI 0.59-0.92), whereas only a moderate correlation was observed between the longest axis of OSCC measured by MPR images and SPS analyses (ICC = 0.51; 95% CI 0.09-0.78). Taking only SPS with positive margins into account, MPR images and 3DS images underestimated the tumor's longest axis in eight out of 11 (72.7%) and 5 out of the 11 (45.5%) cases, respectively. Conclusion: Our data present preliminary evidence that 3DS model represents a useful tool for surgical planning of OSCC resection, but confirmation in a larger cohort of patients is required. Level of evidence: Laboratory study.

Magnetic resonance imaging texture analysis to differentiate ameloblastoma from odontogenic keratocyst.

The differentiation between ameloblastoma (AB) and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is essential for the formulation of the surgical plan, especially considering the biological behavior of these two pathological entities. Therefore, developing means to increase the accuracy of the diagnostic process is extremely important for a safe treatment. The aim of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on texture analysis (TA) as an aid in differentiating AB from OKC. This study comprised 18 patients; eight patients with AB and ten with OKC. All diagnoses were determined through incisional biopsy and later through histological examination of the surgical specimen. MRI was performed using a 3 T scanner with a neurovascular coil according to a specific protocol. All images were exported to segmentation software in which the volume of interest (VOI) was determined by a radiologist, who was blind to the histopathological results. Next, the textural parameters were computed by using the MATLAB software. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between texture parameters and the selected variables. Differences in TA parameters were compared between AB and OKC by using the Mann-Whitney test. Mann-Whitney test showed a statistically significant difference between AB and OKC for the parameters entropy (P = 0.033) and sum average (P = 0.033). MRI texture analysis has the potential to discriminate between AB and OKC as a noninvasive method. MRI texture analysis can be an additional tool to differentiate ameloblastoma from odontogenic keratocyst.

Free three-dimensional image software in local extension assessment of oral squamous cell carcinoma: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is conventionally treated by surgical resection, and positive surgical margins strongly increase local recurrence and decrease survival. This study aimed to evaluate whether a Three-Dimensional Segmentation (3DS) image of OSCC confers advantage over Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR) of OSCC using images of computed tomography scan in surgical planning of tumor resection. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with locally advanced OSCC had tumor morphology and dimensions evaluated by MPR images, 3DS images, and Surgical Pathology Specimen (SPS) analyses (gold standard). OSCC resection was performed with curative intent using only MPR images. RESULTS: OSCC morphology was more accurately assessed by 3DS than by MPR images. Similar OSCC volumes and dimensions were obtained when MPR images, 3DS images and SPS measurements were considered. Nevertheless, there was a strong correlation between the OSCC longest axis measured by 3DS and SPS analyses (ICC = 0.82; 95% CI 0.59‒0.92), whereas only a moderate correlation was observed between the longest axis of OSCC measured by MPR images and SPS analyses (ICC = 0.51; 95% CI 0.09‒0.78). Taking only SPS with positive margins into account, MPR images and 3DS images underestimated the tumor's longest axis in eight out of 11 (72.7%) and 5 out of the 11 (45.5%) cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data present preliminary evidence that 3DS model represents a useful tool for surgical planning of OSCC resection, but confirmation in a larger cohort of patients is required. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Laboratory study.

Mandible bone density in adolescents with cerebral palsy using antiepileptic drugs / Densidade óssea da mandíbula em adolescentes com paralisia cerebral em uso de drogas antiepilépticas

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the bone density of the mandible in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) treated with antiepileptic drugs using one beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: The study was carried out with 18 adolescents aged 12­18 years, undergoing routine dental treatment at the dental clinic of APCD-São Caetano do Sul. CBCT scans were of divided into two groups: G1 adolescents with CP using antiepileptic drugs and G2 normoactive adolescents. A single dentomaxillofacial radiologist assessed and evaluated the images using Dental Slice software and Image J. Fisher's exact tests as well as paired and unpaired Student's t-tests were performed. Results: Groups differed significantly with regard in the values of density (p < 0.001), with G1 presenting lower values compare to G2. G1 showed significantly lower density means on the right side, left side, and right/left sides of the mandible edge than G2 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: CP patients using antiepileptic drugs show evidence of bone mineral density loss of the mandible.(AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a densidade ótica óssea da mandíbula em adolescentes com paralisia cerebral (PC) tratados com drogas antiepilépticas por meio de tomográfica computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Métodos: O estudo foi realizado com 18 adolescentes de 12 a 18 anos, em tratamento odontológico de rotina na clínica odontológica da APCD-São Caetano do Sul. As TCFC foram divididas em dois grupos: G1 adolescentes com PC em uso de antiepilépticos e G2 adolescentes normoativos. Um único radiologista dentomaxilofacial assessou e avaliou as imagens usando usando os softwares Dental Slice e Image J. Os testes exatos de Fisher, bem como os testes t de Student pareados e não pareados foram realizados. Resultados: Os grupos diferiram significativamente quanto aos valores de densidade óptica (p <0,001), com o grupo G1 apresentando valores menores em relação ao G2. O grupo G1 apresentou médias de densidade óptica significativamente menores nos lados direito, esquerdo e direito / esquerdo da borda da mandíbula do que o G2 (p <0,001). Conclusão: Pacientes com PC em uso de drogas antiepilépticas apresentam evidências de perda de densidade óssea da mandíbula (AU)

Analysis of geometrical tomographic parameters of furcation lesions in periodontitis patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between geometric parameters of furcation lesions - maximum area of lesion opening (MALO), angle formed between the roots (ABR), lesion volume (LV) and presence and height of infra-osseous defects (IOD) - and the success of therapy with enamel matrix derivative proteins (EMD) in patients with grade C periodontitis, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: The study consisted of two groups of patients with grade C periodontitis: control (surgery) (n = 17) and test (surgery + EMD) (n = 17). Images parameters on CBCT were recorded using OnDemand3D and ITK-SNAP software. RESULTS: Pearson's correlation coefficient demonstrated that only IOD was statistically significant in the probing depth PD (P = 0.01), with a moderate positive correlation (R = 0.59). MALO was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.03) in the test group (surgery + EMD), with moderate negative correlation (R = -0.5). CONCLUSION: The presence of infra-osseous defects and height were relevant in relation to the success of the type of treatment addressed in this study.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography Based Sex Estimation by Volume of Odontoid Process of The Second Cervical Vertebra / Estimativa sexual baseada em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico pelo volume do processo odontóide da segunda vértebra cervical

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the volume of odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra on CBCT images can be used for sex estimation. Material and Methods: The volume of odontoid process on CBCT images of 138 subjects was measured. In addition, the patients were classified into five age groups. The comparisons between the groups in relation to sex and age were performed by using Mann-Whitney's test and Kruskal-Wallis' test, respectively. The ROC curve was used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the volume to determine the sex. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between age and volume. Males had significantly larger volumes than females. Values of volume equal to or greater than 1.254 mm3 have sensitivity of 68.2% and specificity of 68.1% to determine male sex. Conclusion: The volume of the odontoid process tends to be larger in males than in females and can be used as sex estimation (AU)

Introdução: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se o volume do processo odontóide da segunda vértebra cervical em imagens de TCFC pode ser usado para estimativa do sexo. Material e Métodos: O volume do processo odontóide em imagens CBCT de 138 indivíduos foi medido. Além disso, os pacientes foram classificados em cinco faixas etárias. As comparações entre os grupos em relação ao sexo e idade foram realizadas por meio dos testes de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis, respectivamente. A curva ROC foi utilizada para avaliar a sensibilidade e especificidade do volume para determinar o sexo. Resultados: Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre idade e volume. Os machos tiveram volumes significativamente maiores do que as fêmeas. Valores de volume igual ou superior a 1,254 mm3 apresentam sensibilidade de 68,2% e especificidade de 68,1% para determinação do sexo masculino. Conclusão: O volume do processo odontóide tende a ser maior no sexo masculino do que no feminino e pode ser usado como estimativa do sexo. (AU)

Volume measurement of mandibular teeth pulp chamber as a prediction tool of gender and ethnicity in a Brazilian population / Medição do volume da câmara pulpar de dentes inferiores como ferramenta de predição de gênero e etnia em uma população brasileira

Objective: Forensic dentistry has used some methods for the human identification process. However, there is a need to study characteristics that are able to perform identification more specifically, increasing accuracy. Considering the role of dental arch assessment in prediction of gender and ethnicity, the purpose of this study was to assess the volume of pulp chamber as a mean to obtain new forensic evidence. Material and methods: For this task, 1.190 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were retrospectively selected and subdivided according to the population number, gender, age and ethnicity. All DICOM files were imported to the open-source software ITK-SNAP®(http://www.itksnap.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php). The segmentation process was performed in all pulp chamber aiming to obtain pulp tissue ́s volume. Results: As a result, the pulp chamber volume of mandibular canine teeth showed to be larger in white population than in non-white (P-value = 0.003) and in male individuals in comparison with female (P-value = 0.038). Conclusion: These results, however, must be confirmed by future studies with a larger sample size and by the assessment of other variables, including texture analysis and density of dental tissues. (AU)

Objetivo: A odontologia forense tem usado alguns métodos para o processo de identificação humana. Porém, há a necessidade de estudar características que consigam de forma mais específica realizar a identificação aumentando a precisão. Considerando o papel da avaliação da arcada dentária na predição de gênero e etnia, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o volume da câmara pulpar mandibular como meio de obtenção de novas evidências periciais. Material e métodos: Foram selecionadas 1.190 imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) e subdivididas de acordo com o número da população, sexo, idade e etnia. Todos os arquivos em formato DICOM foram importados para o software de código aberto ITK-SNAP® (http://www.itksnap.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php) onde o processo de segmentação foi realizado em todas as câmaras pulpares visando a obtenção da volumetria. Resultados: Como resultado, o volume da câmara pulpar dos caninos inferiores mostrou-se maior na população branca do que na não branca (P-valor = 0,003), no sexo masculino em comparação ao feminino (P-valor = 0,038). Conclusão: Esses resultados, entretanto, devem ser confirmados por estudos futuros com maior tamanho amostral e pela avaliação de outras variáveis, incluindo análise de textura e densidade dos tecidos dentários. (AU)

Presence of langerhans cells, regulatory T cells (Treg) and mast cells in asymptomatic apical periodontitis.

Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis is essentially an inflammatory disease of microbial aetiology. Association and function of the cell components involved, or specific inductive factors and growth mediators associated with development, maintenance and resolution of the periapical lesions are still unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of Regulatory T cells (FoxP3+; Treg), Langerhans cells (CD1a+; LC) and mast cells in asymptomatic apical periodontitis. 73 cases were selected: 30 periapical granulomas, 29 radicular cysts and 14 residual cysts. All groups were submitted to morphological analysis for classification of inflammatory infiltrate and thickness of the epithelial lining as well as to immunohistochemical analysis for detection of LC and Treg cells. Toluidine blue staining was used for detecting mast cells. Analysis showed higher mean numbers of LC (8.2 cells/0.2mm2), and Treg cells in radicular cysts (5.910 cells/0.2mm2). As for mast cells, it was found that radicular cysts had a higher mean number of these cells compared to other periapical lesions (12.68 cells/0.2mm2). The association between thickness of the epithelial lining and inflammatory cells showed that the presence of hypertrophic epithelium in radicular cysts presented higher density of LC. The number of LC and Treg cells play an important role in the control of the inflammatory micro-environment in periapical granulomas and radicular cysts, respectively. The presence of mast cells in radicular cysts may be associated with progression of the lesion. Knowledge regarding the inflammatory cell profile is therefore essential for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of asymptomatic periapical periodontitis.

Primary intra-osseous Hybrid Schwannoma-Perineurioma in the mandible.

Benign nerve sheath tumours include perineuriomas, schwannomas and neurofibromas. Hybrid schwannoma-perineurioma represents a cutaneous, subcutaneous or occasionally intra-osseous tumour with schwannian cytomorphology and perineurioma-like architecture consisting of a mixture of both types of cells. These tumours can develop at any age and there is no gender-predilection. Tongue is the most frequently affected site, followed by palate, mouth floor, jugal mucosa, lips and, more rarely, mandible. We present a case of hybrid tumour with schwannoma-perineurioma morphology located on the right mandibular body (intra-osseous) of a 54-year-old female patient. The tumour was symptomatic and evolving for six months. Microscopically, it was encapsulated and highly cellularised, presenting fascicular aspect and exhibiting scant mitotic activity. The tumour consisted of distinct cellular populations involving fusiform cells, cells with wavy and hyperchromatic nucleus or even epithelioid cells. Positive immunostaining for S-100 and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) was observed. The lesion was completely removed under general anaesthesia, with the patient showing no clinical or radiographic sign of relapse after two-year follow-up. Despite the limited knowledge on the pathogenesis of Hybrid Schwannoma-Perineurioma, these tumours seem to present a non-aggressive biological behaviour. Conservative surgery provides adequate solution without recurrence, even after a long-term follow-up. Key words:Nerve sheath tumours, Schwannoma, Perineurioma, Immunohistochemistry.

Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and Low-Level Laser Therapy as Adjuvant Treatment: A Case Report.

Introduction: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) occurs by the use of a drug that has osteonecrosis as one of its side effects. Case Report: We describe a case of a 48-year-old oncological patient who had brain and bone metastasis due to breast cancer and was medicated with bisphosphonates (BPs). She presented cavities, and after an incorrect exodontia, the lesion evolved into a jaw osteonecrosis. Then she did a sequestrectomy and was treated using laser therapy. Radiological and clinical features are also described. Conclusion: In a case like this, we notice how necessary is a complete evaluation of the oncological patient before some procedures and laser therapy as an effective ally in the management.

Study of the pterygoid canal (vidian canal) through images of cone beam computer tomography / Estudo do canal Pterigóideo (canal Vidiano) por meio de imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pterygoid canal (PC) by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), establishing its configuration and proximity with anatomical structures. Material and Methods: We evaluated 398 CBCT exams, all from a public University radiology clinic archive. Four parameters were evaluated: single or double PC, distance between PC and the inferior part of the sphenoid sinus (SS), ratio of PC and SS and the distance between the PC and the foramen rotundum. Results: It was observed that most of the PC of the sample presented simple morphology, the most frequent type of relationship between the PC and the SS on both sides was the close contact with the wall. Among the cases that there were some distances between the PC and the inferior wall of the SS, the mean of this distance did not exceed 3.20 mm, being the left side (3.03 mm) slightly closer than the right (3.20 mm). Finally, the distances between the PC and the corresponding Foramen Rotundum are presented with mean values of 5.87 mm for the right side and 6.31 mm for the left side. Conclusion: CBCT examination is of paramount importance for PC identification; once in the studied sample, the mean values found evidence the close relation between the PC and the SS (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o CP pela TCFC, estabelecendo sua configuração e proximidade com estruturas anatômicas. Material e Métodos: Foram avaliados 398 exames de TCFC, todos de um arquivo público da clínica de radiologia da Universidade. Foram avaliados quatro parâmetros: CP único ou duplo, distância entre PC e parte inferior do seio esfenoidal (SS), razão entre PC e SS e a distância entre o PC e o forame redondo. Resultados: Observou-se que a maioria dos CP da amostra apresentava morfologia simples, o tipo de relação mais frequente entre o CP e o SS de ambos os lados foi o contato próximo com a parede. Entre os casos em que houve algumas distâncias entre o CP e a parede inferior da ES, a média dessa distância não excedeu 3,20 mm, sendo o lado esquerdo (3,03 mm) um pouco mais próximo do que o direito (3,20 mm). Finalmente, as distâncias entre o PC e o forame redondo correspondente são apresentadas com valores médios de 5,87 mm para o lado direito e 6,31 mm para o lado esquerdo. Conclusão: O exame TCFC é de suma importância para a identificação do CP; uma vez na amostra estudada, os valores médios encontrados evidenciam a estreita relação entre o CP e o SS. (AU)

Presence of langerhans cells, regulatory T cells (Treg) and mast cells in asymptomatic apical periodontitis

Abstract Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis is essentially an inflammatory disease of microbial aetiology. Association and function of the cell components involved, or specific inductive factors and growth mediators associated with development, maintenance and resolution of the periapical lesions are still unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of Regulatory T cells (FoxP3+; Treg), Langerhans cells (CD1a+; LC) and mast cells in asymptomatic apical periodontitis. 73 cases were selected: 30 periapical granulomas, 29 radicular cysts and 14 residual cysts. All groups were submitted to morphological analysis for classification of inflammatory infiltrate and thickness of the epithelial lining as well as to immunohistochemical analysis for detection of LC and Treg cells. Toluidine blue staining was used for detecting mast cells. Analysis showed higher mean numbers of LC (8.2 cells/0.2mm2), and Treg cells in radicular cysts (5.910 cells/0.2mm2). As for mast cells, it was found that radicular cysts had a higher mean number of these cells compared to other periapical lesions (12.68 cells/0.2mm2). The association between thickness of the epithelial lining and inflammatory cells showed that the presence of hypertrophic epithelium in radicular cysts presented higher density of LC. The number of LC and Treg cells play an important role in the control of the inflammatory micro-environment in periapical granulomas and radicular cysts, respectively. The presence of mast cells in radicular cysts may be associated with progression of the lesion. Knowledge regarding the inflammatory cell profile is therefore essential for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of asymptomatic periapical periodontitis.

Subjective analysis of the application of enhancement filters on magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of enhancement filters on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). STUDY DESIGN: In total, 66 MRI scans of the TMJ were analyzed without filtration and with the application of 2 filters: Sharpen 1 and Sharpen 2 (OnDemand software). Two dentomaxillofacial radiologists examined the original and filtered images individually. Intra- and interobserver concordance was measured by using generalized estimating equations. The observers evaluated the subjective image quality and the visibility of 3 components of the TMJ: disk, condyle, and articular eminence. The images were ranked on a 4-point scale, from poor to excellent. The image quality of all filtered images was compared by using the χ2 test and Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Intra- and interobserver concordance was good. The images filtered with Sharpen 1 and Sharpen 2 provided better definition of the structures compared with nonfiltered images, providing the highest scores for subjective image quality for all structures (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of enhancement filters led to improved subjective quality and may improve the diagnostic efficacy of MRI in TMJ evaluation.