The Diagnostic Value of PSMA PET-CT in Differentiating Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and Metastasis to the Jawbone.

INTRODUCTION: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and jaw metastasis might share similar clinical and radiographic characteristics, with both demonstrating FDG uptake on PET-CT. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET-CT is used to demonstrate prostate cancer dissemination. Unlike FDG PET-CT, PSMA PET-CT is more specific to cancer than to inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that it might be a useful tool to differentiate between MRONJ and jaw metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All files of prostate cancer patients diagnosed with MRONJ and with available PSMA PET-CT studies were retrieved. A similar number of solid cancer patients with MRONJ and with available FDG PET-CT studies served as a second study group. All studies were reviewed by two blinded co-investigators (LD, MF). RESULTS: Seventeen patients who underwent PSMA PET-CT (24 studies) and 15 patients who underwent FDG PET-CT (29 studies) met the inclusion criteria. All patients with FDG PET-CT studies showed pathological uptake at the site of MRONJ in at least one of their studies versus only 23.5% of patients in the PSMA PET-CT group (P < 0.001). FDG PET-CT studies showed pathological uptake in 89.6% of the studies compared to only 20.8% in the PSMA PET-CT group (P < 0.001). The mean standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and the mean uptake volume in the FDG PET-CT group were significantly higher compared to the PSMA PET-CT group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.005, respectively). The interclass correlation coefficient for all parameters was higher than 0.95. CONCLUSIONS: PSMA PET-CT is useful to differentiate between MRONJ and jaw metastasis.

Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Cutaneous Manifestations and the Primary Care Physician's Role in its Early Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a side effect in patients undergoing treatment with bone-modifying agents (BMA) for cancer or osteoporosis. Although most cases are treated by oral medicine specialists, some cases may present extraorally as a fistula in the skin or erythematous swelling localized to the jaw area, causing these patients to consult a primary care physician. This study examined the prevalence and clinical characteristics of extraoral manifestations of MRONJ in a large cohort to raise awareness among primary care physicians of this entity, enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Medical records were retrieved of patients diagnosed with MRONJ between 2003 and June 2020 in the Oral Medicine Unit of The Sheba Medical Center, Israel. Data relating to demographics, medical background, type of BMA, and clinical presentation were collected. RESULTS: In total, 515 patients (378 women [73%] and 137 men [27%]; mean age: 65 years, range: 32-94 years) met the inclusion criteria, among whom 84 (16.5%) presented with extraoral manifestations of MRONJ. Of these 84 patients, 21 (24.7%) presented with extraoral fistulas. Extraoral manifestations were strongly correlated with MRONJ of the mandible (n = 67; P = .0006). CONCLUSIONS: MRONJ is a significant side effect of BMA therapy. Although MRONJ mostly presents intraorally, some patients may initially present with extraoral manifestations of erythematous swelling or fistulas localized to the jaw area. Primary care physicians should consider MRONJ as a differential diagnosis in such patients.

Patterns of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Utilization by Various Dental Specialties: A 4-Year Retrospective Analysis from a Dental and Maxillofacial Specialty Center.

The study aimed to analyze the uses of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis and treatment in various dental specialties. This 4-year cross-sectional study analyzed the records of 1409 individuals who underwent a CBCT at the Oral and Maxillofacial Center at Sheba Medical Center, Israel. The average age of the patients was 27.9 ± 11.5 (range: 9-86 years). Patients were referred for CBCT by the following departments: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1063; 75.5%), Endodontics (182; 12.9%), Periodontology (122; 8.6%) and Orthodontics (42; 3.0%). Most CBCT radiographs evaluated the maxilla (774; 55.0%), followed by the mandible (481; 34.1%) and both (154; 10.9%). The target anatomical structures included: bone (694; 49.3%), teeth (307; 21.7%), and both jaws (408; 29.0%). The main indications for CBCT use were: assessment of anatomical structures and implant sites (787; 55.9%), determine root canals morphology (182; 12.9%), visualization of impacted teeth, tooth alignment, and localization (177; 12.6%), suspected cysts or tumors (148; 10.5%), evaluation of Temporomandibular joint disorders (106; 7.5%) and other reasons (9; 0.6%). In 279 (19.8%) of cases, the diagnosis changed following CBCT, mainly in Orthodontics tooth analysis (28 (66.7%); p < 0.001). Practitioners and health authorities should be aware of this baseline information regarding CBCT use in the diagnosis and assessment of various oral and maxillofacial pathologies, anomalies and tooth position relative to anatomic structures. Continuing research and publications of CBCT utilization and guidelines are recommended.

Changing face of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: Sheba Medical Center experience-fifteen years.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim is to track the development of the epidemiological characteristics in patient populations diagnosed with MRONJ at the Sheba Medical Center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The files of patients diagnosed with MRONJ from 2003 until December 2017 were retrieved. Data on demographics, medical background, type and duration of drug use and triggering events at presentation was collected. RESULTS: The study included 448 patients, 336 females and 112 males. A decrease in the proportion of multiple myeloma patients (p < 0.05) and an increase in the proportion of patients with bone metastases of solid tumors has been observed recently. An increase in the proportion of cases in osteoporosis patients compared with oncology patients is evident (p < 0.01). Overtime a higher proportion of patients presented at an earlier stage of MRONJ (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of changes in treatment protocols and increased awareness of oncology caregivers, including referral and consultation with Oral Medicine specialists, there has been a change in the demographics and presentation of the disease.

Novel parotid sialo-cone-beam computerized tomography features in patients with suspected Sjogren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) causes salivary gland impairment leading to oral dryness. Parotid sialo-cone-beam computerized tomography (sialo-CBCT) demonstrates ductal architecture and to a lesser extent gland activity. This study characterizes radiographic features of patients suspected for SjS and looks for a possible correlation with the diagnosis of SjS. METHODS: The clinical and radiographic data of suspected SjS/dry mouth patients referred for sialo-CBCT in 2011-2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Two observers studied the scans for various radiographic features including duct morphology, level of branching, ductopenia and sialectasia. These features were analysed taking the specific clinical data and two sets of SjS criteria: The 2002 American-European Consensus Group (AECG) and the 2012 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Group. RESULTS: Sialo-CBCT scans of 67-referred patients suffering from dry mouth (115 parotid glands) were included. Intraradiographic association was found between ductopenia and all other radiographic parameters. Minimal, yet important, radiographic differences were found between left and right parotid glands. AECG-confirmed-SjS patients showed strong correlation with radiographic features, whereas ACR 2012-confirmed-SjS patients did not. CONCLUSION: Sialo-CBCT demonstrates novel radiographic features which may clarify the diagnosis of SjS. Further studies are needed to determine the role of sialo-CBCT in diagnosis of SjS.

Ameloblastoma incidentally detected in cone-beam computed tomography sialography: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: Cone-beam computerized tomographic (CBCT) imaging is increasingly used in the maxillofacial region for various purposes. The volumetric dataset created by means of CBCT increases the possibility of detecting incidental findings. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this case report, the authors describe an otherwise healthy 45-year-old man who was referred from the Sjogren's Syndrome Center in Jerusalem, Israel, for bilateral parotid CBCT sialographic imaging owing to xerostomia lasting for 4 months. CBCT sialographic imaging using iodine contrast material showed normal glandular structure and activity according to the postcannulation panoramic imaging. CBCT sialographic imaging routine volume interpretation revealed a lesion in the mandibular area causing destruction and perforation of the cortical plates, partial disappearance of adjacent lamina dura, and resorption of adjacent teeth, suggesting an aggressive benign tumor. Histopathologic examination confirmed mural cystic ameloblastoma, which was resected with preservation of the mental nerve and the lower mandibular border. The patient received bone graft and implants, with regular follow-ups and no recurrence after 4 years. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This case strengthens the need for thorough examination of the whole CBCT imaging volume within and outside the region of interest to detect incidental findings with clinical importance.

Age Related Prevalence of Pre-Eruptive Intracoronal Radiolucent Defects in the Permanent Dentition.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine if the prevalence of pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucent defects is higher for young age groups, in which there are more unerupted teeth. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of panoramic and bitewing radiographs was conducted. An inclusion criterion was the presence of un-erupted permanent teeth with a formed and clearly visible crown. Age groups were: young (6-8 years), intermediate (9-12 years) and adults (13-53 years). Significance level was set at p≤0.05. RESULTS: Thirteen (3.9%) pre-eruptive lesions were detected in 335 records. No lesions were found in the young group (7.4%), in the intermediate and adult age groups six and seven lesions were found, respectively. In most cases the pre-eruptive lesion was found in a third molar. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of pre-eruptive intracoronal lesions was not higher for young age groups. The prevalence of pre-eruptive intra coronal radiolucent lesions is 3.9%, irrespective of age.

Influence of common fixed retainers on the diagnostic quality of cranial magnetic resonance images.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontists are often asked to remove fixed retainers before magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study was undertaken to assess the effects of 2 commonly used fixed retainers on MRI distortion and whether they should be removed. METHODS: MRI scans were performed on a dry skull with Twistflex (Dentaurum, Ispringen, Germany) and Ortho Flex Tech (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Ill) retainers. Two neuroradiologists independently ranked the distortions. The influence of the fixed retainers' alloys, their distance to the area of diagnosis, location, strength of the magnetic field, and the spin-echo sequence were examined. Statistical analysis included kappa and Pearson chi-square tests. RESULTS: Ortho Flex Tech retainers caused no distortion. Twistflex retainers caused distortion in 46% of the tests in areas close to the retainer (tongue and jaws). Maxillary fixed retainers and the combination of maxillary and mandibular fixed retainers further increased the distortion. Greater distortion was observed with 3-T magnetic fields and T1-weighted spin-echo sequences. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of the Ortho Flex Tech retainer is unnecessary before MRI. Removal of the Twistflex should be considered if the MRI scans are performed to diagnose areas close to the fixed retainers, when 3-T magnetic fields and T1-weighted sequences are used, and when both maxillary and mandibular fixed retainers are present.

Cannabidiol, a Major Non-Psychotropic Cannabis Constituent Enhances Fracture Healing and Stimulates Lysyl Hydroxylase Activity in Osteoblasts.

Cannabinoid ligands regulate bone mass, but skeletal effects of cannabis (marijuana and hashish) have not been reported. Bone fractures are highly prevalent, involving prolonged immobilization and discomfort. Here we report that the major non-psychoactive cannabis constituent, cannabidiol (CBD), enhances the biomechanical properties of healing rat mid-femoral fractures. The maximal load and work-to-failure, but not the stiffness, of femurs from rats given a mixture of CBD and Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for 8 weeks were markedly increased by CBD. This effect is not shared by THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis), but THC potentiates the CBD stimulated work-to-failure at 6 weeks postfracture followed by attenuation of the CBD effect at 8 weeks. Using micro-computed tomography (µCT), the fracture callus size was transiently reduced by either CBD or THC 4 weeks after fracture but reached control level after 6 and 8 weeks. The callus material density was unaffected by CBD and/or THC. By contrast, CBD stimulated mRNA expression of Plod1 in primary osteoblast cultures, encoding an enzyme that catalyzes lysine hydroxylation, which is in turn involved in collagen crosslinking and stabilization. Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy we confirmed the increase in collagen crosslink ratio by CBD, which is likely to contribute to the improved biomechanical properties of the fracture callus. Taken together, these data show that CBD leads to improvement in fracture healing and demonstrate the critical mechanical role of collagen crosslinking enzymes.

Mandibular condylar pseudocyst: an introduction to the orthodontist.

The aims of this article are to introduce mandibular condylar pseudocysts to orthodontists, present 2 relevant case reports, and discuss possible differential diagnoses. Condylar pseudocyst is a radiologic variant of pterygoid fovea, which is the site of insertion of the lateral pterygoid muscle to the head of the mandibular condyle. A pathognomonic picture of a solitary well-defined radiolucency with radiopaque borders, located on the anterior aspect of the condyle in an asymptomatic orthodontic patient, is characteristic.

Clinical and radiological presentation of hemimaxillofacial dysplasia/segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia: critical analysis and report of a case.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to critically evaluate the literature, describe the clinical and radiographic features of HD-SOD (hemimaxillofacial dysplasia/segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia), and describe one new case, involving a 12-year-old boy, with detailed radiological, clinical, and histologic characteristics. METHODS: Thirty-six cases published between 1987 and 2010, together with the present case, were evaluated according to criteria that included gender, age, location of the lesion, findings, and symptoms. RESULTS: We found that the lesion is discovered mainly in the first decade of life (71%), and has a male predilection (64%, 23/64). The maxillary alveolar process was affected unilaterally in all cases, with gingival and bone enlargement and facial asymmetry being constant findings. Missing premolars and skin manifestations were found to be common features. CONCLUSIONS: New case reports should include clinical, radiographic, and histologic findings; follow-up reports; and treatment protocols to improve dentist and parent information regarding HD.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: clinical correlations with computerized tomography presentation.

The aim of this study was to correlate clinical and computerized tomography (CT) features of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). All ONJ patients for whom there was complete CT scan imaging were eligible. Selected clinical parameters retrieved from their medical records were analyzed for correlation with CT parameters. The clinical presentation of BRONJ was supported by findings in CT imaging in 78.3%. The lesion's size on CT correlated with the presence of purulent secretion (p = 0.03). When sequestrum was present, the median lesion's size on CT was relatively big (28 mm, range 21-43 mm). The mandibular canal cortex was never breached. CT has reasonable detection competence for diagnosing BRONJ. Purulent secretion indicates the likelihood that a more extensive involvement will be displayed on CT. A large lesion on CT should raise the index of suspicion for sequestrum. The CT appearance of a continuous cortex of the mandibular canal may serve as a differential parameter between BRONJ and metastasis to the jaw.