The morphometric analysis of mastoid foramen and mastoid emissary canal on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence and morphometric features of the mastoid foramen (MF) and mastoid emissary canal (MEC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), as well as their relationship with age, sex, and side. METHODS: CBCT scans of 500 patients aged 8-87 years were examined retrospectively. The presence and number of MF, mean diameter of the MEC and MF, MF location, and the distance between MF and asterion were all examined. The collected data were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. P values < 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The study included 472 patients. MF was present in 82% and absent bilaterally in 18% of the 472 patients. The prevalence of MF was 67.8% on the right side and 65.7% on the left. The mean diameter of the MF was 3.39 ± 1.48 mm and the number of the MF ranged from zero to four. The mean diameter of the MEC was 2.05 ± 1.06 mm and the distance between MF and asterion was 22,46 ± 5,18 mm. 52.4% of the MF was observed on the occipito-mastoid suture. CONCLUSION: To prevent surgical complications, particularly those that concern the temporal and mastoid areas, radiologists should report the results of the preoperative examination of the morphometry of the MF and MEC. CBCT imaging is a reliable diagnostic method that can be used to evaluate the MEC and MF before surgical procedures.

Bilateral lung volume reduction surgery outperforms the unilateral approach in functional improvement.

OBJECTIVES: Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is an established treatment approach for patients with severe pulmonary emphysema, enhancing lung function and quality of life in selected patients. Functional benefits and outcomes after uni- versus bilateral lung volume reduction remain a topic of debate. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing LVRS from January 2018 to October 2022 was conducted. After encouraging initial results, the standard unilateral LVRS approach was switched to bilateral. The goal of this study was to assess the impact on functional outcomes at 3 and 6 months post-surgery compared to preoperative levels for the uni- versus the bilateral approach. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients were included (43 bilateral, 40 unilateral). Baseline demographic and functional parameters were comparable between groups. The most common complication was prolonged air leak in 19 patients (11 in the unilateral group, 8 in the bilateral group). Two patients died perioperatively (2.4%). Overall, LVRS improved forced expiratory volume in 1 s by 8.3% after 3 and 12.5% after 6 months postoperatively compared to baseline. Bilateral surgery presented significantly superior forced expiratory volume in 1 s improvement than unilateral approach at both 3 (29.2% versus 2.9%; P = 0.0010) and 6 months (21.5% versus 3%; P = 0.0310) postoperatively. Additionally, it reduced hyperinflation (residual volume) by 23.1% after 3 months and by 17.5% after 6 months, compared to reductions of 16% and 9.1% in the unilateral group. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral approach resulted in better functional outcomes 3 and 6 months postoperatively compared to unilateral surgery.

Evaluation of the Morphometry of the Stylomastoid Foramen in the Turkish Population: A Retrospective Study Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the morphometric features of the stylomastoid foramen (SMF) and the facial canal in the Turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) retrospectively. Methods The randomly selected 479 patients aged from 8 to 87 years were examined, and a total of 958 CBCT images of the SMF and facial canal (FC) were analyzed. The diameter of the SMF and FC at the mastoid segment and their relation to age, gender, and side were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, one-way analysis of variance, Student's t -test, chi-squared test, Tukey's honestly significant difference, and Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test. p -Values < 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant at the 95% confidence interval. Results The mean age of the patients was 40.49 ± 19.73 years. The mean diameter of the right SMF was 2.24 ± 0.58 and 2.50 ± 0.63 mm in females and males. The mean diameter of the left SMF was 2.25 ± 0.56 and 2.44 ± 0.62 mm in females and males. The mean diameter of the right FC was 1.60 ± 0.35 and 1.70 ± 0.34 mm in females and males. The mean diameter of left FC was 1.55 ± 0.35 and 1.66 ± 0.33 mm in females and males. A statistically significant difference was found between the age groups in terms of the mean SMF and FC diameter on both sides ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Information obtained from this study regarding the morphometric features of the SMF and thereby FC may assist surgeons in treatment plans and reduce the risk of neurosurgical complications.

DOTATOC PET/CT imaging of a typical carcinoid tumor in a human ex-vivo perfused lung lobe.

The use of Isolated lung perfusion (ILP), combined with medical imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT), provides real-time visualization of tumors in ventilated and perfused vital lung tissue. This experiment intends to show the feasibility and benefits of using ILP combined with PET/CT imaging. Following lung surgery on a 49-year-old male, his left lower lobectomy specimen, which held a typical carcinoid tumor, was preserved on normothermic ILP. Gallium-68-Edotreotide ([68Ga]-DOTATOC) was administered into the ILP circuit, and dynamic emission data from PET/CT was acquired. ILP was carried out for 120 minutes. Near physiologic gas exchange and glucose metabolism were preserved throughout the experiment. The time activity curves (TAC) of 5 different volumes of interest (VOI) showed notable differences in tracer uptake over time. The peripheral area of the carcinoid exhibited delayed but high somatostatin receptor agonist uptake compared to the surrounding parenchyma and the intrapulmonary artery. However, the central area of the carcinoid showed very low [68Ga]-DOTATOC uptake. This experiment demonstrates the potential of ILP combined with PET/CT for kinetic modeling in experimental nuclear medicine imaging. By providing visualization of tracer uptake in perfused lung tissue, this model could potentially improve our understanding of tumor physiology and molecular imaging.

Preoperative PET-SUVmax and volume based PET parameters of the primary tumor fail to predict nodal upstaging in early-stage lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Accurate nodal staging is of utmost importance in patients with lung cancer. FDG-PET/CT imaging is now part of the routine staging. Despite thorough preoperative staging nodal upstaging still occurs in early-stage lung cancer. However, the predictive value of preoperative PET metrics of the primary tumor on nodal upstaging remains to be unexplored. Our aim was to assess the association of these preoperative PET-parameters with nodal upstaging in histologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: From January 2016 to November 2018, 500 patients with pT1-T2/cN0 lung cancer received an anatomical resection with curative intent. 171 patients with adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and available PET-CTs were retrospectively included. We analyzed the the association of nodal upstaging with preoperative PET-SUVmax and metabolic PET metrics including total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) with different defined thresholds. RESULTS: High values of preoperative PET-SUVmax of the primary tumor were associated with squamous cell carcinoma (p < 0.0001) and with larger tumors (p < 0.0001). Increased preoperative C-reactive protein levels (<1mg/dL) correlated significantly with high preoperative PET-SUVmax values (p < 0.0001). No significant relationship between PET-SUVmax and lactate dehydrogenase activity (p = 0.6818), white blood cell count (p = 0.7681), gender (p = 0.1115) or age (p = 0.9284) was observed. Nodal upstaging rate was 14.0 % with 8.8 % N1 and 5.3 % N2 upstaging. Tumor size (p = 0.0468) and number of removed lymph nodes (p = 0.0461) were significant predictors of nodal upstaging but no significant association was found with histology or PET parameters. Of note, increased MTV - regardless of the threshold - tended to associate with nodal upstaging. CONCLUSION: Early-stage lung cancer patients with squamous histology and T2 tumors presented increased preoperative PET-SUVmax values. Nevertheless, beyond tumor size and number of removed lymph nodes neither SUVmax nor metabolic PET parameters MTV and TLG were significant predictors of nodal upstaging.

The nodule in the emphysematous lung: an appeal for surgery in a lung volume reduction concept.

Background: Emphysema patients, who are candidates for lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) usually present with an extensive smoking history and thus have an increased risk for lung. The incidence of pulmonary nodules in emphysematous lungs is high. We therefore aimed to analyse the incidence and histological findings of pulmonary nodules in our LVRS program. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent LVRS between 2016 and 2018. Data concerning preoperative workup, 30 days mortality and histopathological findings analysed. Results: Between 2016 and 2018, LVRS was performed in 66 patients. In 18 (27%) a nodule was found in the preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. Histological findings revealed in two cases squamous cell lung cancer. In two other cases, histopathological findings revealed an anthracotic intrapulmonary lymph node. In eight cases, a tuberculoma was found with a positive culture in one case. The other six histopathological findings were hamartoma, granuloma or sequelae of pneumonia. Conclusions: Malignancy was found in 11.1% of patients presenting with a nodule in preoperative LVRS workup. The relative risk of lung cancer in emphysema patients is increased and if LVRS criteria are fulfilled surgical resection of a pulmonary nodule is a meaningful way to verify the histology.

TROP2 expression and SN38 antitumor activity in malignant pleural mesothelioma cells provide a rationale for antibody-drug conjugate therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer which at large is not amenable to curative surgery. Despite the recent approval of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, the response rates and survival following systemic therapy is still limited. Sacituzumab govitecan is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting the topoisomerase I inhibitor SN38 to trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP-2)-positive cells. Here we have explored the therapeutic potential of sacituzumab govitecan in MPM models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TROP2 expression was analyzed in a panel of two well established and 15 pleural effusion derived novel lines by RT-QPCR and immunoblotting, TROP2 membrane-localization was studied by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Cultured mesothelial cells and pneumothorax pleura served as controls. The sensitivity of MPM cell lines to irinotecan and SN38 was studied using cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA damage assays. Drug sensitivity of cell lines was correlated with RNA expression of DNA repair genes. Drug sensitivity was defined as an IC50 below 5 nM in the cell viability assay. RESULTS: TROP2 expression was detected at RNA and protein level in 6 of the 17 MPM cell lines, but not in in cultured mesothelial control cells or in the mesothelial layer of the pleura. TROP2 was detectable on the cell membrane in 5 MPM lines and was present in the nucleus in 6 cell models. Ten of 17 MPM cell lines showed sensitivity to SN38 treatment, among those 4 expressed TROP2. High AURKA RNA expression and high proliferation rate correlated with sensitivity to SN38-induced cell death, DNA damage response, cell cycle arrest and cell death. Sacituzumab govitecan treatment effectively induced cell cycle arrest and cell death in TROP2-positive MPM cells. CONCLUSION: TROP2 expression and sensitivity to SN38 in MPM cell lines support biomarker-selected clinical exploration of sacituzumab govitecan in patients with MPM.

Reversible occlusion of the pulmonary vasculature by transarterial embolisation with degradable starch microspheres: preclinical assessment in a human isolated lung perfusion model.

BACKGROUND: Transpulmonary embolisation (TPE) using degradable starch microspheres (DSM) is a potential approach to treat pulmonary metastases. However, there is a paucity of detailed information on perfusion dynamics. The aim of this study was to establish a human ex vivo isolated lung perfusion (ILP) model to observe and evaluate the effects of DSM-TPE in a near-physiologic setting. METHODS: ILP was carried out on six surgically resected lung lobes. At baseline, computed tomography (CT), including CT perfusion imaging (CTPI), and histopathological sampling were performed (t30). DSM-TPE was initiated and increased stepwise (t45, t60, t75, and t90) to be followed by CT imaging, histopathological sampling, and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). After the last assessment (t90), alpha-amylase was injected into the pulmonary artery to allow for DSM hydrolysation and two additional assessments (t105; t120). Histopathological specimens were evaluated using a semiquantitative ordinal score. CTPI was used for time to peak (TTP) analysis. RESULTS: After DSM administration, PAP and TTP increased significantly: PAP slope 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.104-0.483, p = 0.004; TTP t30 versus t45, p = 0.046. After the addition of alpha-amylase, functional parameters reverted to values comparable to baseline. In histopathological samples, embolisation grades increased significantly until t90 (slope 95% CI 0.027-0.066, p < 0.001) and decreased after addition of alpha-amylase (slope 95% CI -0.060-0.012, p = 0.165), CONCLUSIONS: The ILP model demonstrated successfully both the physiologic effect of DSM-TPE on human lungs and its reversibility with alpha-amylase. Thus, it can be used as a near-physiologic preclinical tool to simulate and assess later clinical approaches.

Allosteric and ATP-Competitive MEK-Inhibition in a Novel Spitzoid Melanoma Model with a RAF- and Phosphorylation-Independent Mutation.

Spitzoid melanoma is a rare malignancy with histological characteristics similar to Spitz nevus. It has a diverse genetic background and in adults, a similarly grim clinical outcome as conventional malignant melanoma. We established a spitzoid melanoma cell line (PF130) from the pleural effusion sample of a 37-year-old male patient. We found that the cell line carries a rare MEK1 mutation (pGlu102_Lys104delinsGln) that belongs to the RAF- and phosphorylation-independent subgroup of MEK1 alternations supposedly insensitive to allosteric MEK inhibitors. The in vivo tumorigenicity was tested in three different models by injecting the cells subcutaneously, intravenously or into the thoracic cavity of SCID mice. In the intrapleural model, macroscopic tumors formed in the chest cavity after two months, while subcutaneously and intravenously delivered cells showed limited growth. In vitro, trametinib-but not selumentinib-and the ATP-competitive MEK inhibitor MAP855 strongly decreased the viability of the cells and induced cell death. In vivo, trametinib but not MAP855 significantly reduced tumor growth in the intrapleural model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first patient-derived melanoma model with RAF- and phosphorylation-independent MEK mutation and we demonstrated its sensitivity to trametinib.

HDAC Inhibition Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition in a Novel Pleural-Effusion Derived Uterine Carcinosarcoma Cell Line.

Objective: Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is a rare but highly aggressive malignancy with biphasic growth pattern. This morphology can be attributed to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that often associates with tumor invasion and metastasis. Accordingly, we analyzed a novel patient-derived preclinical model to explore whether EMT is a potential target in UCS. Methods: A novel UCS cell line (PF338) was established from the malignant pleural effusion of a 59-year-old patient at time of disease progression. Immunohistochemistry was performed in primary and metastatic tumor lesions. Oncogenic mutations were identified by next-generation sequencing. Viability assays and cell cycle analyses were used to test in vitro sensitivity to different standard and novel treatments. E-cadherin, ß-catenin and pSMAD2 expressions were measured by immunoblot. Results: Whereas immunohistochemistry of the metastatic tumor showed a predominantly sarcomatous vimentin positive tumor that has lost E-cadherin expression, PF338 cells demonstrated biphasic growth and carried mutations in KRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN and ARID1A. PF338 tumor cells were resistant to MEK- and TGF-ß signaling-inhibition but sensitive to PIK3CA- and PARP-inhibition and first-line chemotherapeutics. Strikingly, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition markedly reduced cell viability by inducing a dose-dependent G0/1 arrest and led to mesenchymal-epithelial transition as evidenced by morphological change and increased E-cadherin and ß-catenin expression. Conclusions: Our data suggest that HDAC inhibition is effective in a novel UCS cell line by interfering with both viability and differentiation. These findings emphasize the dynamic manner of EMT/MET and epigenetics and the importance of molecular profiling to pave the way for novel therapies in UCS.

Prevalence of bifid mandibular canal according to gender, type and side.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: An awareness of mandibular canal variations may help prevent complications due to nerve damage that can occur during surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the variations of mandibular canal distribution and frequency via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), retrospectively, in a Turkish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprises 500 (250 female, 250 male) randomly selected participants between the ages of 14 and 79 years. The study was conducted in Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry, in the Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. The distribution and frequency of mandibular canal variations were evaluated using the Naitoh classification, which includes retromolar canal, forward canal, dental canal, and buccolingual canal. The trifid canal was also included in this study. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS statistics 20.0. The data were then compared based on age group and gender. RESULTS: Bifid mandibular canals (BMCs) were found in 200 (40%) of the 500 subjects, and in 248 of the 1000 sides (24.8%). Mandibular canal variations were observed in 71.5% of patients on the right side, 52.5% on left side and 24% bilaterally. The forward canal was the most common type (48.8%), followed by the retromolar canal (26.2%), the dental canal (12.9%), the buccolingual canal (9.7%), and the trifid canal (2.4%). CONCLUSION: BMCs were detected at a high rate in the Turkish subpopulation. Moreover, CBCT appears to be an appropriate method to assess the entity and shape of BMCs.

Determination of age and sex using bimastoid diameter: a cone beam computed tomography Study / Deteminación de la edad y el sexo mediante el diámetro bimastoide: un estudio en tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT)

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the possibility of age and sex determination using bimastoid diameter with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This retrospective study investigated 100 female and 100 male patients aged 18-83 years (mean age: 45.55±16.28 years). To measure bimastoid diameter, the appropriate image was chosen from sagittal, coronal, and axial images of CBCT in which the measurement points could be best detected. The distance between the points of the mastoid process was measured using three-dimensional coronal reconstruction. The mean bimastoid breadth was 106.12±6.22mm. The bimastoid diameter in male cases was higher than that in female cases (110.69±4.53mm vs. 101.65±4.00mm). There was no significant difference in bimastoid breadth with advancing age. For sex determination, morphometric measurements of bimastoid diameter ensured a high rate of dimorphism in the Turkish subpopulation. CBCT morphometric analysis may be reliable and convenient for evaluating sex and may be recommended to compare population data.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la posibilidad de determinar la edad y el sexo utilizando el diámetro bimastoideo con tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT). Este estudio retrospectivo investigó a 100 mujeres y 100 hombres de entre 18 y 83 años (edad media: 45,55±16,28 años). Para medir el diámetro bimastoideo, se eligió la imagen adecuada de las imágenes sagital, coronal y axial de CBCT en las que los puntos de medición se podían detectar mejor. La distancia entre los puntos del proceso mastoideo se midió mediante reconstrucción coronal tridimensional. La amplitud media del bimastoide fue de 106,12± 6,22mm. El diámetro del bimastoide en los casos masculinos fue mayor que en los casos femeninos (110,69±4,53 mm frente a 101,65±4,00mm). No hubo diferencias significativas en la amplitud del bimastoide con la edad. Para la determinación del sexo, las mediciones morfométricas del diámetro bimastoide aseguraron una alta tasa de dimorfismo en la subpoblación turca. El análisis morfométrico CBCT puede ser confiable y conveniente para evaluar el sexo y puede recomendarse para comparar datos poblacionales.

Ultrasonographic Appearances of Cervical Lymph Nodes in Healthy Turkish Adults Subpopulation: Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess whether there was any relation between age, gender and body mass index (BMI) and nodal forms and vascular type in healthy Turkish adults. STUDY DESIGN: Three neck areas in 25 wholesome patients who were aged from 21 to 58 years, were assessed by gray-scale and color doppler ultrasonography. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed using an ALOKA Prosound Alpha 6 (Hitachi Aloka Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) and the images were obtained with a 7.2 MHz linear array transducer. Hajek's categorization of cervical lymph nodes for sonographic analysis was used. The ultrasonographic characteristics like size, shape, short axis/long axis ratio (S/L), hilum were evaluated. Ultrasonographic examinations of upper cervical, submandibular and submental lymph nodes were carried out and recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 31.84±12.80 years. The ratios of lymph nodes with avascular pattern were 96% for the upper cervical lymph area, 92% for the submandibular area and 96% for the submental area. The lowest and highest ratios of short to long axis diameter (S/L) were calculated as 0.18 and 0.66 in all areas. Most normal nodes in the study were oval with an S/L ratio of less than 0.5. CONCLUSION: Normal cervical lymph nodes are oval, with an unsharp border and an echogenic hilum but no relation between the age, gender and BMI. Also ultrasonography is an applicable imaging modality for the examination of cervical lymph nodes. However, the deficiency in the number of patients might not allow to generalise our findings to the general populations.

Cone beam computed tomographic evaluation of styloid process: A retrospective study of 1000 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The styloid process (SP) is a bony projection, located just anterior to the stylomastoid foramen, the normal length of which is approximately 20-30 mm. The length of SP when exceeds 30 mm it is said to "elongated." The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of elongated SP (ESP) by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination in Turkish subpopulation and its relation to gender and age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed CBCT of 1000 patients who were randomly selected to participate and were aged from 14 to 78 years. Any radiograph with questionable SP was excluded from the study. The apparent length and thickness of the SP were measured by two dental and maxillofacial radiologists. The ESP was classified with radiographic appearance-based morphology of elongation. The data were analyzed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 42.49 ± 14.83 years. The length of SP was measured over 30 mm in 151 patients (15.1%). A total of 151 CBCT showed ESP, of which 87 (57.6%) were noticed in males and 64 (42.4%) in female patients. The length of right-sided SP ranged from 30.05 to 85.49 mm and left-sided SP from 30.14 to 83.72 mm. CONCLUSION: CBCT is a valuable diagnostic imaging tool which makes accurate length measurements. It is important for the clinicians to be aware of natural variations of the SP whose clinical importance is not well understood.

Assessment of root canal anatomy of maxillary and mandibular canine teeth: a cone-beam computed tomography study / Evaluación de la anatomía del canal radicular de caninos maxilares y mandibulares: un estudio de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico

Abstract To investigate the root canal anatomy of permanent maxillary and mandibular canines in a Turkish subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Retrospective CBCT data of 300 patients admitted to our clinic between 2016 and 2018 were screened and evaluated. A total of 235 patients, 100 males and 135 females, aged 14-76 years (mean age 37.27±13.40) were included in this study. A total of 191 (44,8%) maxillary canine teeth and 235 (55,2%) mandibular canine teeth were examined. The number of roots and root canal morphology according to Vertucci's classification, the presence of accessory canals, and the position of the apical foramen of the root were analyzed. The effect of gender and age on the incidence of root canal morphology was also investigated. The majority of the teeth had a Type I canal configuration in both maxillary canines (100%) and mandibular canines (92,8%). In the mandibular canines the other canal patterns found were Type III (6,8%), and Type II (0,4%). Apical foramen was centrally positioned in the majority of the teeth, 70,2% and 66,8% in maxillary and mandibular canines, respectively. The occurrence of two roots in mandibular canines was 3,8% and the root canal separation was found 53,8% and 46,2% in the middle and cervical third of the root, respectively. No significant statistical difference was observed effect of gender and age on the incidence of the root canal morphology and the position of the apical foramen. Due to the diverse morphology and the potential presence of a second canal for canine teeth among the Turkish subpopulation, dentists should perform endodontic treatments with greater care. CBCT is an accurate tool for the morphological assessment of the root canals.

Resumen Investigar la anatomía del conducto radicular de los caninos maxilares y mandibulares permanentes en una subpoblación turca utilizando la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT). Se examinaron y evaluaron los datos CBCT retrospectivos de 300 pacientes ingresados en nuestra clínica entre 2016 y 2018. Un total de 235 pacientes, 100 hombres y 135 mujeres, de entre 14 y 76 años (edad media de 37,27±13,40) fueron incluidos en este estudio. Se examinaron un total de 191 (44,8%) dientes caninos maxilares y 235 (55,2%) dientes caninos mandibulares. Se analizó el número de raíces y la morfología del conducto radicular según la clasificación de Vertucci, la presencia de conductos accesorios y la posición del foramen apical de la raíz. También se investigó el efecto del sexo y la edad en la incidencia de la morfología del conducto radicular. La mayoría de los dientes tenían una configuración de conductos de tipo I tanto en los caninos maxilares (100%) como en los caninos mandibulares (92,8%). En los caninos mandibulares los otros patrones de conductos encontrados fueron el Tipo III (6,8%) y el Tipo II (0,4%). El foramen apical estaba situado en posición central en la mayoría de los dientes, 70,2% y 66,8% en los caninos maxilares y mandibulares, respectivamente. La ocurrencia de dos raíces en los caninos mandibulares es del 3,8% y la separación del conducto radicular se encontró en el tercio medio y cervical de la raíz en el 53,8% y el 46,2%, respectivamente. No se observó ninguna diferencia estadística significativa en el efecto del sexo y la edad sobre la incidencia de la morfología del conducto radicular y la posición del foramen apical. Debido a la diversa morfología y a la posible presencia de un segundo conducto en los dientes caninos entre la subpoblación turca, los odontólogos deberían realizar los tratamientos endodónticos con mayor cuidado. La CBCT es una herramienta precisa para la evaluación morfológica de los conductos radiculares.

Awareness assessment in Turkish subpopulation with chronic oral mucosal diseases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of group Turkish patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases by chronic oral mucosal diseases questionnaires (COMDQ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases were participated in the study. A detailed medical history of each patient was taken, and all the COMDQ questions, which were translated from English version, were filled out. The data were analyzed with the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Statistics 22.0. RESULTS: The mean ages of patients were 48.91 ± 13.36 years. Of the total 80 cases of chronic oral mucosal diseases identified 52 (65%) were female and 28 (35%) male. The standardized mean scores for COMDQ were 1.72 ± 1.11 for "pain and functional limitation," 1.09 ± 0.94 for "medication and treatment," 2.31 ± 1.06 for "social and emotional," and 2.27 ± 0.83 for "patient support," respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the Turkish version of the COMDQ has the profitable psychometric peculiarity and comfortable to patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases in Turkey.