Imaging characteristics of gubernaculum tracts in patients with cleidocranial dysplasia: a computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the imaging characteristics of the gubernaculum tract (GT) in patients with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) as visualized with computed tomography (CT). STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of the presence and shape of GTs of unerupted permanent teeth and supernumerary teeth on CT in 9 patients with CCD. RESULTS: The overall GT detection rate for unerupted permanent teeth was 83.5% (81/97), with no significant difference between permanent teeth without and with adjacent supernumerary teeth (P = .414). The overall GT detection rate for unerupted supernumerary teeth was 83.1% (49/59). Of the 156 total unerupted teeth analyzed, 83.3% (130/156) were judged to have GTs. No significant difference in detection rate of GTs was found between permanent and supernumerary teeth (P > 0.999). A composite morphology consisted of a single GT for a permanent unerupted tooth with 1 or 2 supernumerary teeth in which the dental follicles of the permanent and supernumerary teeth were confluent. In total, 44 groups consisted of 1 permanent and 1 or 2 supernumerary teeth; 79.5% (35/44) had GTs. CONCLUSIONS: A specific composite structure of GTs and dental follicles may signify that 2 or 3 teeth are derived from a single dental lamina in patients with CCD. In such cases, tooth eruption may fail due to the presence of only 1 GT for multiple teeth.

Comparison of the distribution of the Bartholin and/or Rivinus salivary ducts assessed with magnetic resonance-sialography in patients with ranula and in healthy subjects.

Background: The distribution and drainage of the sublingual gland ducts have various patterns that might be related to sublingual gland-related diseases, including ranula. This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of the distribution of Bartholin and/or Rivinus ducts in patients with ranula using magnetic resonance (MR) sialography. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the distributions and drainage patterns of sublingual gland ducts on MR sialography were classified in 74 subjects without sublingual gland-related disease as confirmed by both medical history and clinical examination and 15 patients with ranula, respectively. All patients had visited Kyushu Dental University Hospital from July 2015 to June 2022 to undergo MR imaging. Data on the distributions and drainage patterns of the sublingual gland ducts, including the characteristics of the Bartholin and/or Rivinus ducts, were then statistically compared between subjects without sublingual gland-related disease and patients with ranula. The images were assessed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial radiology specialist certified by the Japanese Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. The distributions (five groups) and drainage patterns (three patterns) of the sublingual gland ducts on MR sialography were classified in reference to previous studies, with some modifications in all subjects without sublingual gland-related disease and patients with ranula. Results: A significant difference in the distribution of the ducts (P<0.001), with a low number of patients exposing an undetected canal or Rivinius duct, was found in the group of patients with ranula (P<0.05). Regarding drainage patterns, no patient with ranula presented a Rivinius duct only. A significant difference in the drainage patterns of the sublingual gland ducts on MR sialography was observed between subjects without sublingual gland-related disease and patients with ranula (P=0.001). Conclusions: The present results suggest that the distribution of the sublingual gland ducts, mainly, the Bartholin duct, may be related to ranula formation. These findings also demonstrate that MR sialography contributes well to preoperative evaluation and is effective for assessing the complex excretory distribution of the sublingual gland ducts.

Correlation between the presence of tonsilloliths and the bone defects by periodontitis on imaging analysis: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Very recently, a significant relationship between tonsilloliths and dental plaque-related pathologies was reported using digital panoramic radiographs. Their dynamics over time suggest that tonsilloliths may be in a permanently active phase that functions to remove foreign matter. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of tonsilloliths and the extent of periodontitis. METHODS: A total of 608 patients who underwent both CT and panoramic radiographs were included in the study. Both of two imaging were retrospectively and independently assessed with respect to the presence of tonsilloliths detected on CT and panoramic radiographs, and bone defects caused by periodontitis detected on panoramic radiographs. The type of retrospective study is case-control. Then, the differences between age groups were evaluated with respect to the degree of bone resorption and its correlation with the presence of tonsilloliths. The relationships between categorical variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient or Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between tonsilloliths on CT and the extent of the bone defect on panoramic radiographs (Spearman's correlation coefficient, r = 0.648, p = 0.043). In addition, there was a significant difference in the extent of the bone defect caused by periodontitis between subjects with and without tonsilloliths in the 60 to 69-year-old group (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.025), 70 to 79-year-old group (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.002), and 80 to 89-year-old group (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.022), but not in other age groups (Mann-Whitney U test: under 9-year-old group, p = 1.000; 10 to 19-year-old group, p = 1.000; 20 to 29-year-old group, p = 0.854; 30 to 39-year-old group, p = 0.191, 40 to 49-year-old group, p = 0.749; 50 to 59-year-old group, p = 0.627; ≥90-year-old group, p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of tonsilloliths was related to the extent of periodontitis because the structures were responding dynamically.

Imaging characteristics of the gubernaculum tracts in successional teeth related to deciduous fused teeth on computed tomography.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the imaging characteristics of the gubernaculum tracts in successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth on computed tomography. The imaging findings of 15 gubernaculum tracts in successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth were retrospectively analyzed using cone-beam computed tomography or multidetector computed tomography. In cases without a congenitally defected successor, the two gubernaculum tracts of two successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth were fused into one. Gubernaculum tracts (GTs) in mesial successors were vertical, but in distal successors they were inclined to mesial. The major abnormalities of the successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth were delayed eruption and delayed formation. No inclined mesial successors were found, whereas most of the distal successors were inclined to mesial along with the inclined GT. The gubernaculum tracts of successors with a congenital defect of the other successors were vertical, and such successors had no abnormalities. The present study showed the imaging characteristics of gubernaculum tracts in successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth. The abnormal eruption of successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth may be associated with the characteristics of their gubernaculum tracts.

Overview of Radiological Studies on Visualization of Gubernaculum Tracts of Permanent Teeth.

The eruption pathway from the dental follicle to the gingiva for permanent teeth is known as the gubernaculum tract (GT), a physiologic structure thought to play a role in tooth eruption. Cone beam computed tomography and multi-detector computed tomography have recently been used to visualize the GT, with the results indicating that this structure might be related to the normal eruption of teeth. By contrast, curved and/or constricted GTs may lead to abnormal tooth eruption. In addition, complex odontomas have been reported from within the GT or dental sac of unerupted permanent teeth. If an odontoma occurs within the GT, the tooth will not erupt normally. Moreover, the imaging characteristics of the GT from the top of the odontogenic mass to the alveolar crest are extremely useful for making a differential pathological diagnosis and for differentiating between odontogenic and non-odontogenic masses. Therefore, radiological studies on the GT have been attracting increasing attention. Given this background, the present review aims to clarify the imaging characteristics and review recent studies on the GT considering the importance of the research.

Imaging peculiarities of gubernaculum tracts in molars as accessional teeth on CT.

OBJECTIVES: The shapes of gubernaculum tracts (GTs) in molars as accessional teeth remain unidentified. To elucidate imaging peculiarities of GTs in molars with aging on multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted using CT images, including maxillary and mandibular molars, with no abnormal findings from 239 patients. Shapes of alveolar bone, GTs, and dental sacs of the maxillary and mandibular molars were analyzed multi-sectionally. Correlations between 2- and 3-dimensional imaging figures of GTs in molars and chronological age or stage of molar formation were analyzed. RESULTS: Some forms of GTs in maxillary and mandibular third molars were observed. In the early stage, GTs were visualized as bone defect lines on the dentition and grooves on the mesial alveolar crest continuous with the dental sac to mesial tooth bud. GTs of the third molar formed a J-shape in maxillary teeth and Y-shape in mandibular teeth in the middle stage, as alveolar bone around the GT developed. In the mature stage, the course of the GT changed to straight and perpendicular. Some GT forms were also identified in first and second molars. Significant correlations were found between GT alterations and chronological age or stage of molar formation. Moreover, tracts continuing from the distal side of mandibular third molars were detected. CONCLUSIONS: This paper describes the peculiarities and process of progression for GTs in molars, and the existence of tracts continuing from the distal side of mandibular third molars, unlikely dentition with deciduous predecessors. These preliminary data should prove beneficial for studies focusing on GTs in molars.

Changes in tonsillolith characteristics detected in a follow-up CT study.

BACKGROUND: Tonsilloliths are related clinically to halitosis and tonsillar abscess. However, the dynamics of tonsilloliths over time are unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate change in the characteristics of tonsilloliths in a time-dependent fashion by follow-up computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Tonsilloliths were analyzed in 326 CT scan pair sets of initial and at least two follow-up CT examinations of patients with whole palatine tonsils and various diseases of the oral and maxillofacial regions. RESULTS: Over the follow-up period, 12.1% of tonsilloliths disappeared. Approximately 26.1% of tonsilloliths changed in size during follow-up, mostly increasing in size. In tonsilloliths that showed enlargement, the mean (± standard deviation) growth rate was 0.61 ± 0.41 mm per year. Approximately 37.3% of tonsilloliths changed position during the follow-up period; of these, movement was toward the respiratory tract in 92% at a mean rate of - 1.38 ± 1.59 mm per year. The calcification levels of almost all tonsilloliths showed dynamic change: HU number increased in 84.3% and decreased in 12.7% of tonsilloliths over the follow-up period. The mean rate of HU increase was 63.8 ± 96.3 HU/year, and the mean rate of HU decrease was - 38.4 ± 66.8 HU/year. CONCLUSIONS: The calcification levels of all tonsilloliths showed dynamic fluctuation, and a tendency for excretion of tonsilloliths from the body. Their dynamics over time suggest that tonsilloliths may be in a permanently active phase which functions to remove foreign matter.

First Report of Sublingual Gland Ducts: Visualization by Dynamic MR Sialography and Its Clinical Application.

This study was done to determine whether the sublingual gland ducts could be visualized and/or their function assessed by MR sialography and dynamic MR sialography and to elucidate the clinical significance of the visualization and/or evaluation of the function of sublingual gland ducts by clinical application of these techniques. In 20 adult volunteers, 19 elderly volunteers, and 7 patients with sublingual gland disease, morphological and functional evaluations were done by MR sialography and dynamic MR sialography. Next, four parameters, including the time-dependent changes (change ratio) in the maximum area of the detectable sublingual gland ducts in dynamic MR sialographic images and data were analyzed. Sublingual gland ducts could be accurately visualized in 16 adult volunteers, 12 elderly volunteers, and 5 patients. No significant differences in the four parameters in detectable duct areas of sublingual glands were found among the three groups. In one patient with a ranula, the lesion could be correctly diagnosed as a ranula by MR sialography because the mass was clearly derived from sublingual gland ducts. This is the first report of successful visualization of sublingual gland ducts. In addition, the present study suggests that MR sialography can be more useful in the diagnosis of patients with lesions of sublingual gland ducts.

Characteristics of diffusion-weighted images and apparent diffusion coefficients of ranulas and other masses in and around the floor of the mouth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of ranulas. In addition, to elucidate DWI findings and ADC values of other representative masses in and around the floor of the mouth. STUDY DESIGN: DWI findings and ADC values in 35 patients with ranulas and 33 patients with other masses were retrospectively reviewed with a central focus on cystic masses or lesions that may have cyst-like components in and around the floor of the mouth based on the diagnosis of each respective disease. RESULTS: Ranulas were all well-defined, homogeneous masses with high signal intensity on DWI. The mean ± standard deviation ADC value of the 35 ranulas was 2.59 ± 0.31 × 10-3 mm2/s. There was a significant difference in ADC values between simple and plunging ranulas. On DWI, most other masses were heterogeneous, and most ADC values, except those for thyroglossal duct cysts, hemangiomas, and pleomorphic adenomas, were significantly lower than those for ranulas. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic DWI and ADC findings of ranulas can be determined accurately, and these data can be significantly useful in the differential diagnosis of many kinds of diseases in and around the oral floor.

Significance and usefulness of imaging characteristics of gubernaculum tracts for the diagnosis of odontogenic tumors or cysts.

We aimed to determine the significance and usefulness of imaging characteristics of gubernaculum tracts (GT) for the diagnosis of odontogenic tumors or cysts. This was a retrospective analysis of relationships between odontogenic or non-odontogenic tumors or cysts and the GT that were visualized using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). The relationship between the size of a mass and expansion of the GT in all odontogenic tumors or cysts to which GTs were contiguous on MDCT, was statistically analyzed. Intact or expanded GTs were detected in MDCT images on the top of almost all odontogenic tumors or cysts, but not on non-odontogenic tumors or cysts. Characteristic image findings regarding the relationship between the GT and the odontogenic mass were detected for the respective odontogenic tumors or cysts in which the GTs were contiguous to the mass on MDCT. In ameloblastomas, expansion of the GTs significantly and very strongly correlated with tumor size (r = 0.741, p = 0.0001), but this correlation was very weak in dentigerous cysts (r = 0.167, p = 0.028) and there was no correlation between these parameters in odontogenic keratocysts (r = -0.089, p = 0.557). The imaging characteristics of GTs at the top of masses should be very useful for both the differential diagnosis of the pathological diagnosis of odontogenic masses and for differentiation between odontogenic and non-odontogenic masses.

Characteristics of the gubernaculum tracts in mesiodens and maxillary anterior teeth with delayed eruption on MDCT and CBCT.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the characteristics of the gubernaculum tracts (GTs) in maxillary anterior teeth with normal or delayed eruption and in mesiodens by using multidetector computed tomography and cone beam computed tomography. STUDY DESIGN: The characteristics of GTs in maxillary anterior teeth of 205 patients with impacted mesiodens were retrospectively analyzed by using multidetector computed tomography and cone beam computed tomography. The GTs of teeth with normal or delayed eruption and the GTs of mesiodens were examined. RESULTS: The detection ratio of GTs in impacted mesiodens and anterior teeth with delayed eruption was significantly lower than in teeth with normal eruption. A significant difference in the angulation was found between normal and delayed eruptions. Almost all detectable GTs in the inverted mesiodens were derived from the incisive canal, while the remaining were from the alveolar crest. The connecting area of major GTs to tooth in inverted mesiodens was the cervical or root area, but in all other anterior teeth, it was the crown area. CONCLUSIONS: GTs of inverted mesiodens may exhibit characteristics that are different from those of normal GTs when the teeth and/or the palate are developing.

A spatial association between odontomas and the gubernaculum tracts.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify the spatial relationship and/or association between odontomas and the gubernaculum tract or the dental sac and the characteristic findings for radiographic diagnosis of odontomas. STUDY DESIGN: The visualizations of the odontomas and the gubernaculum tract were retrospectively analyzed using cone beam computed tomography or multidetector computed tomography. RESULTS: Most of odontomas were within the gubernaculum tract or dental sac of unerupted permanent teeth on computed tomography. In some odontomas, the gubernaculum tract existed as a well-defined low density tract extending from the top of odontomas on computed tomography. CONCLUSIONS: A close spatial relationship and/or association between odontomas and the gubernaculum tract or dental sac on computed tomography may be used as one of the criteria for radiographic diagnosis of odontomas. Development of odontomas may be associated with the gubernaculum tract or dental sac of unerupted permanent teeth.

Detection and imaging characteristics of the gubernacular tract in children on cone beam and multidetector computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the appearance and imaging characteristics of the gubernacular tract (GT) during the growth stage of children. Furthermore, this study evaluated the significance of the appearance of the GT. STUDY DESIGN: The visualizations of the GT were retrospectively analyzed by using panoramic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) in children. RESULTS: In patients with normal eruption who had unerupted permanent teeth, except maxillary central supernumerary teeth, the GT was clearly visualized as a well-defined low-density tract on CT but not on panoramic radiographs. In patients with obstructive eruption, including impaction, the GT was deformed and not visible on CT. CONCLUSIONS: This paper describes the frequency of detection and appearance of the GT in unerupted teeth. Preliminary data suggest that any alteration to the GT may be used to predict abnormal eruption of permanent teeth.

Prevalence and imaging characteristics of detectable tonsilloliths on 482 pairs of consecutive CT and panoramic radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that tonsilloliths are clinically related to halitosis and tonsillar abscess. Based on our empirical knowledge, tonsilloliths are relatively commonly encountered in daily clinical practice. It has been reported that the detection rate of tonsilloliths was under 24% in previous reports, although experience suggests otherwise. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of tonsilloliths using computed tomography (CT). In addition, the possible causes of low detection rates on panoramic radiographs were evaluated based on comparisons between CT images and panoramic radiographs in order to elucidate the limitations of visualizing the area around the palatine tonsils on panoramic radiographs. METHODS: 482 pairs of CT images and panoramic radiographs were retrospectively assessed with respect to the presence and characteristics of tonsilloliths. In addition, the causes in cases of disagreement between the two modalities were analyzed. RESULTS: The detection rate of tonsilloliths was 46.1% using CT scans, unlike previous reports. The characteristics of tonsillolith were dot-like figures with about 300-500 Hounsfield units within the palatine tonsil under the soft palate. The most common length of tonsilloliths was about 3 or 4 mm. As the subjects aged, the detection rate increased gradually. A significant difference in the tonsillolith detection rate was found between the over and under 40-year-old groups (p < 0.0001). However, the detection rate of tonsilloliths was only 7.3% on panoramic radiographs. A significant correlation was observed between the detection rate of tonsilloliths on panoramic radiographs and CT number (Spearman r = 0.429), size, (Spearman r = 0.318), and number of tonsilloliths (Spearman r = 0.333). CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that tonsilloliths are relatively more common than previously suggested. However, panoramic radiographs detect only a small percentage of palatine tonsilloliths. The low detection rates on panoramic radiographs might be related to the degree of calcification, size, and number of tonsilloliths.

Quantification method of size distribution of polysilicic acid in supersaturated silicic acid solution.

In order to estimate the absolute size distribution of polysilicic acid particles in geothermal waters, the distribution coefficient (K(av)) of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for polysilicic acid particles and the hydrodynamic radius for the same polysilicic acid particles from Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) are combined to quantify the particle size. From the combination, a quantitative relationship between the K(av) from GPC and the hydrodynamic radius for polysilicic acid from DLS was built up. Using this relationship, the change in particle size of polysilicic acid formed during the polymerization of silicic acid at pH 8 and 9 (initial silicic acid concentration: 800 ppm as SiO2) was examined. The result showed that polysilicic acid grew to 500 and 1000 nm by 5 h at pH 9 and 8, respectively. It was found that aluminum affects the growth of polysilicic acid particles, and that the effect depends on the pH. The proposed method in this study has been proved to be valid to measure the size of polysilicic acid during the polymerization of silicic acid in solutions with relatively low silicic acid concentration, such as geothermal water.

Magnetic resonance angiography using fresh blood imaging in oral and maxillofacial regions.

The present paper provides general dentists with an introduction to the clinical applications and significance of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the oral and maxillofacial regions. Specifically, the method and characteristics of MRA are first explained using the relevant MR sequences. Next, clinical applications to the oral and maxillofacial regions, such as identification of hemangiomas and surrounding vessels by MRA, are discussed. Moreover, the clinical significance of MRA for other regions is presented to elucidate future clinical applications of MRA in the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Alterations of the Temporomandibular Joint on Magnetic Resonance Imaging according to Growth and Development in Schoolchildren.

The paper explains the alterations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to the growth and development of schoolchildren. Appearance and disappearance of a "double contour-like structure" (DCLS) of the mandibular condyle on MRI according to the growth and development of schoolchildren were demonstrated. In addition, possible constituents of DCLS and the significance of detection of DCLS on MRI were also speculated. The relationship between red marrow and yellow marrow in the articular eminence of temporal bone, the disappearance of DCLS, and alterations of the mandibular condyle have been elucidated.

The inhibition abilities of multifunctional polyelectrolytes for silica scale formation in cooling water systems: role of the nonionic functional group.

The abilities of multifunctional polyelectrolytes to enhance aluminum hydroxide dispersion and inhibit silica scale formation were examined in a pilot cooling water system. The following multifunctional polyelectrolytes were studied: a terpolymer of acrylic acid (AA), 2-acrylamide-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (SA) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) (P(AA/SA/NVP)), acrylic acid homopolymer (P(AA)) and a copolymer of AA and SA (P(AA/SA)). The order of inhibition ability was P(AA/SA/NVP)>P(AA/SA)>P(AA), and was consistent with that of the dispersing ability for aluminum hydroxide. Other terpolymers incorporating different nonionic monomers were also examined and factors affecting their inhibition abilities were investigated, based on interaction energies calculated by density functional theory. Based on the correlation between scale inhibition abilities and interaction energies, we elucidated that the effective nonionic monomer of terpolymer for silica scale inhibition had low affinity for aluminum hydroxide and high affinity for H(2)O and Si(OH)(3)O(-). The affinities of nonionic monomer for aluminum hydroxide and H(2)O suggested that there was proper conformation of polyelectrolyte adsorbed for effectively dispersing aluminum hydroxide. Also, high affinity of nonionic monomer for Si(OH)(3)O(-) suggested that interacting Si(OH)(3)O(-) is an important role of inhibition of silica scale formation.

Importance of magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of a child with prominent swelling of the facial region after trauma: report of a case.

In the present case of a 9-year-old girl with prominent swelling in the mental and facial regions after trauma, repeated magnetic resonance (MR) examinations were performed to evaluate areas of incision, because the swelling became worse and more prominent despite intravenous antibiotic treatment. However, there was no evidence of respiratory tract impingement or deformation, including obliteration, on MR imaging. Therefore, surgical treatment involving an incision because of facial region swelling was cancelled, and the intravenous antibiotic therapy was continued. To prevent misdiagnosis and over-treatment of young children with inflammation of the oral and maxillofacial regions, dentists, including pediatric dentists, should be aware of the clinical usefulness of MR examinations. In particular, MR examinations are non-invasive for young children, because there is no X-ray exposure, and they can be used repetitively. At the same time, the present case demonstrated that it is very difficult to understand and predict changes in the inflammation process associated with children's facial trauma.

Interaction between Al3+ and acrylic acid and polyacrylic acid in acidic aqueous solution: a model experiment for the behavior of Al3+ in acidified soil solution.

From the viewpoint of the phytotoxicity and mobility of Al(3+) released from soil minerals due to soil acidification, the interaction between Al(3+) and acrylic acid (AA) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) as a model compound of fulvic acid was investigated. The interaction was examined at pH 3 so as to avoid the hydrolysis of Al(3+). The interaction between Al(3+) and AA was weak. However, the interaction between Al(3+) and PAA was strong and depended on the initial (COOH in PAA)/Al molar ratio (R(P)) of the solution. For the range of 1/R(P), the interaction between Al(3+) and PAA can be divided into three categories: (1) 1:1 Al-PAA-complex (an Al(3+) combines to a carboxyl group), (2) intermolecular Al-PAA-complex (an Al(3+) combines to more than 2 carboxyl groups of other Al-PAA-complexes) in addition to the 1:1 Al-PAA-complex and (3) precipitation of intermolecular complexes. In conclusion, R(P) is an important factor affecting the behavior of Al(3+) in acidic soil solution.