Acesso cirúrgico ao segmento cervical distal da artéria carótida interna e à bifurcação carotídea alta - revisão integrativa da literatura e proposta de protocolo / Surgical access to the distal cervical segment of the internal carotid artery and to a high carotid bifurcation - integrative literature review and protocol proposal

Resumo Diversas manobras já foram descritas para o acesso ao segmento distal cervical da artéria carótida interna ou à bifurcação carotídea alta; entretanto, há divergências na sistematização dessas técnicas. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar as técnicas descritas e propor um protocolo prático que auxilie na seleção da técnica mais adequada para cada caso. Para isso, foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados PubMed Central, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e SciELO por artigos sobre o tema, em língua inglesa ou portuguesa, publicados entre os anos de 1980 e 2021. Entre as manobras descritas, parece razoável que as duas etapas iniciais sejam a abordagem ao músculo esternocleidomastóideo, seguida pela secção/retração do ventre posterior do músculo digástrico. Caso necessário, a subluxação mandibular temporária unilateral é um recurso adicional e preferível à divisão do aparato estiloide, devido ao menor potencial de morbidade. Exposições ainda mais amplas podem ser obtidas com as osteotomias mandibulares.

Abstract Several different maneuvers have been described for obtaining access to the distal cervical segment of the internal carotid artery or to a high carotid bifurcation. However there are different approaches to systematization of these techniques. The objective of this study is to review the techniques described and propose a practical protocol to support selection of the most appropriate technique for each case. The review is based on the results of database searches on PubMed Central, the Virtual Health Library (BVSalud), and SciELO for articles on the subject published in English or Portuguese from 1980 to 2021. Among the different maneuvers described, it appears reasonable that the first two steps should be to obtain access at the sternocleidomastoid muscle, followed by section or retraction of the digastric muscle posterior belly. If needed, temporary unilateral mandibular subluxation is an additional resource that is preferable to division of the styloid apparatus process, because of its lesser potential for morbidity. Even wider exposure can be obtained using mandibular osteotomies.

Tratamento conservador de osteomielite em mandibula: relato de caso / Conservative treatment osteomyelitis in jaw: case report / Tratamiento conservador de osteomielita en mandible: reporte de caso

Introdução: As infecções nos ossos de face podem acometer os maxilares, geralmente a mandíbula, apresentando diversos fatores etiológicos, além de seu potencial multibacteriano. Embora tratamentos mais radicais possam ser uma escolha preferencial, meios conservadores podem surgir como alternativa afim de evitar tratamento mais agressivo aos pacientes. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 17 anos de idade, vítima de acidente náutico foi submetido a tratamento cirúrgico para osteossíntese de fratura complexa de mandíbula e após um período de 30 dias houve evolução de um quadro de osteomielite em região mandibular no qual foi preconizado tratamento conservador com antibioticoterapia e orientações de restrição de dieta líquida e pastosa. No período de proservação de 06 meses observou se melhora e regressão considerável do quadro infeccioso onde houve continuidade do acompanhamento de 01 ano sem sinais sugestivos de recidiva. Considerações Finais: O tratamento conservador deve ser considerado como importante alternativa nos casos de osteomielite nas complicações pós-operatórias de fixação de fraturas do complexo maxilo-mandibular... (AU)

Introduction: Infections is commonly affect in jaws and usually the mandibular bone present several etiological factors and in addition to their multibacterial potential. Although radical treatments may be preferred choices another treatments can be emerge as a new way to prevent treatment from becoming more aggressive to pacients. Case Report: A 17-year-old female patient victim of a nautical accident, underwent surgery treatment for complex fracture osteosynthesis and after a while appear osteomyelitis in mandibular bone in which conservative treatment was recommended with antibiotherapy and guidelines for restricting liquid and pasty diet. During 06 months improvement and considerable regression of the infect condition was observed with 01 year of preservation without signs of reccurrence. Final considerations: Conservative treatment should be considered na important alternative in cases of osteomyelitis in post operative complications of fixation of fractures in jaws... (AU)

Las infecciones en los huesos faciales pueden afectar el maxilar, generalmente la mandíbula, presentando varios factores etiológicos, además de su potencial multibacteriano. Aunque los tratamientos más radicales pueden ser una opción preferida, los medios conservadores pueden surgir como una alternativa para evitar un tratamiento más agresivo para los pacientes Caso clínico: Paciente de sexo femenino de 17 años, víctima de accidente náutico, sometida a tratamiento quirúrgico por osteosíntesis de una fractura compleja de mandíbula y al cabo de 30 días evolucionó una osteomielitis en la región mandibular en la que se Fue un tratamiento conservador con antibioticoterapia y se recomendaron pautas para restringir las dietas líquidas y pastosas. En el período de seguimiento de 06 meses, hubo una mejoría considerable y regresión de la condición infecciosa, donde hubo una continuación del seguimiento de 01 año sin signos sugestivos de recurrencia. Consideraciones finales: El tratamiento conservador debe considerarse como una alternativa importante en casos de osteomielitis en complicaciones postoperatorias de fijación de fracturas del complejo maxilomandibular... (AU)

Oral and oropharyngeal lymphomas: A multi-institutional collaborative study.

BACKGROUND: Lymphomas in the oral and oropharyngeal regions are relatively uncommon, and their diagnosis is challenging and complex due to the myriad histopathological subtypes. Herein, we report a large series of oral and oropharyngeal lymphomas and compare our data with the currently available literature. METHODS: All cases diagnosed as lymphomas affecting the oral and oropharyngeal regions were retrospectively retrieved from seven Brazilian institutions. Clinicodemographic data and histopathological features were evaluated and described, while a comprehensive literature review was undertaken in order to compare our findings. RESULTS: A total of 304 cases of oral and oropharyngeal lymphomas were obtained, mostly affecting individuals aged 60-69 years (n = 68) with a mean age at diagnosis of 54.2 ± 20.1 years. Males and females were equally affected. Mature B-cell neoplasms (87.2%) were the most common group, followed by mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms (11.2%) and precursor lymphoid neoplasms (1.6%). The most frequent subtypes in each group were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified (n = 99), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas, nasal type (n = 12), and B-lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphomas, not otherwise specified (n = 4). The most commonly involved sites were the palate (26.3%), mandible (13%), and maxilla (10.5%). CONCLUSION: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, remains the most common subtype of lymphomas in the oral and oropharyngeal region. Older patients are the most affected, with no gender predilection and the palate and jaw are usually affected.

Malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia: a multicentric retrospective study in Brazilian population / Transformación maligna de la leucoplasia oral: un estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico en población brasileña

Background: Among the oral potentially malignant disorders, leukoplakia stands out as the most prevalent. Thepurpose of this study was to analyse the clinical-pathological features of oral leukoplakia in groups of patientsfrom three major pathology centers in two different regions of Brazil, in order to determine which factors wouldbe associated to the clinical risk of malignant transformation.Material and Methods: A total of 148 patients was analyzed, and data regarding gender, age, site, classification ofthe clinical subtype, harmful habits such as use of tobacco and alcohol, time of evolution and presence of dyspla-sia were collected. The association between risk factors and malignant transformation was investigated using thechi-square test and Fischer's exact test for correlation of variables. A significance level of 5% (p≤0.05) was used.Results: The mean age of the patients was 60 years, and 56% were female. Most of the lesions (34,5%) were lo-cated in the lateral and ventral regions of the tongue. Of the 148 patients, ninety had clinical follow-up. Malignanttransformation occurred in 13 patients (8.8%), with an average of 44 months of follow up.Conclusions: Non-smoker, nonhomogeneous clinical presentation, location at the tongue, and the presence of highdegree of dysplasia were statistically relevant factors associated with a higher risk of transformation transformation.(AU)

Nuclear metallothionein in oral squamous cell carcinoma: clinicopathological parameters and patient survival.

The aim of this study was to identify the immunoexpression of methallothionein in oral squamous cell carcinoma as well as to address the correlation with clinical features, histological grade and patient survival. Samples were collected from 93 patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma who presented for follow-up. Immunohistochemical expression of methallothionein in all groups was performed. The scoring system has previously been published by Tsurutani in 2005, which is based on intensity and distribution of staining. We used Kappa index to evaluate the degree of observers' agreement under metallothionein immunostaining and histological grade. Associations between methallothionein expression and clinical parameters (age, gender, smoking, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and disease stage) were examined for statistical significance using the chi-squared test. The overall survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the relationship between protein expression and survival was compared using the log-rank test (p < 0.05). Our results showed no statistically significant association between methallothionein immunostaining and the selected clinicopathological variables. Immunohistochemistry results showed positive nuclear immunostaining for metallothionein in 62,37% (58/93) and negative for metallothionein 37,63% (35/93). The degree of examiners agreement by Kappa varied from substantial to perfect and both metallothionein immunostaining and histological grade were explored. The present study suggests that positive methallothionein expression found in tongue squamous cell carcinoma may not help to predict survival in the analyzed samples, as well as no relation between the protein and histological grade and clinical features was observed. In conclusion, the present study suggests that metallothionein is not associated with tongue squamous cell carcinoma clinicopathological characteristics and aggressiveness.

PTEN allelic loss is an important mechanism in the late stage of development of oral leucoplakia into oral squamous cell carcinoma.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse allelic loss of the phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene and its protein immuno-expression in dysplastic oral lesions and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Samples were collected from 153 patients [20 ranulas used as a control (C); 30 leucoplakias with mild dysplasia (MD); 30 leucoplakias with moderate to severe dysplasia (MSD); 73 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)]. PTEN protein expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry, and PTEN allelic loss was analysed by fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH). Differences among groups were evaluated using the χ2 test. PTEN expression was higher in MSD (P = 0.002) and OSCC (P = 0.0259) compared with the C group; additionally, a higher expression was observed in MSD (P = 0.0035) and OSCC (P = 0.049) than MD. Regarding FISH analysis, a higher hemizygous (single copy) loss was observed in OSCC than in C (P = 0.0467) and in OSCC than in MD (P = 0.0175), as well as a higher homozygous deletion in OSCC compared with C (P = 0.0159) and OSCC than MD (P = 0.0145). CONCLUSION: The results of this work suggest that PTEN allelic loss is an important mechanism in the late stage of the development of oral potentially malignant lesions into oral cancer.

Nuclear metallothionein in oral squamous cell carcinoma: clinicopathological parameters and patient survival

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify the immunoexpression of methallothionein in oral squamous cell carcinoma as well as to address the correlation with clinical features, histological grade and patient survival. Samples were collected from 93 patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma who presented for follow-up. Immunohistochemical expression of methallothionein in all groups was performed. The scoring system has previously been published by Tsurutani in 2005, which is based on intensity and distribution of staining. We used Kappa index to evaluate the degree of observers' agreement under metallothionein immunostaining and histological grade. Associations between methallothionein expression and clinical parameters (age, gender, smoking, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and disease stage) were examined for statistical significance using the chi-squared test. The overall survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the relationship between protein expression and survival was compared using the log-rank test (p < 0.05). Our results showed no statistically significant association between methallothionein immunostaining and the selected clinicopathological variables. Immunohistochemistry results showed positive nuclear immunostaining for metallothionein in 62,37% (58/93) and negative for metallothionein 37,63% (35/93). The degree of examiners agreement by Kappa varied from substantial to perfect and both metallothionein immunostaining and histological grade were explored. The present study suggests that positive methallothionein expression found in tongue squamous cell carcinoma may not help to predict survival in the analyzed samples, as well as no relation between the protein and histological grade and clinical features was observed. In conclusion, the present study suggests that metallothionein is not associated with tongue squamous cell carcinoma clinicopathological characteristics and aggressiveness.

Efficacy of lumiracoxib versus diclofenac sodium in pain control following extraction of impacted lower third molar / Eficacia de lumiracoxib frente a diclofenaco de sodio en el control del dolor después de la extracción de un tercer molar inferior impactado

The aim of this paper was to compare the efficacy of two different anti-inflammatory agents, Diclofenac (Deltaflogin®) and Lumiracoxib (Prexige®) in the control of postoperative pain that results from surgical removal of impacted lower third molars. Twenty adult patients from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Division of the Araraquara Dentistry School, UNESP who presented bilateral impacted lower third molars were included in the study. Removal of the impacted teeth was performed in each side in different operative moments in a split mouth design for the study. The anti-inflammatory drugs evaluated were randomly administered on the first and second surgical procedures. The pain level was recorded using an analogical visual scale at 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after surgical intervention. Both lumiracoxib 400 mg and diclofenac 100 mg are efficient for acute pain control after surgical removal of impacted lower third molars. However, lumiracoxib offered better pain control.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar la eficacia de dos agentes antiinflamatorios distintos, Diclofenaco (Deltaflogin®) y Lumiracoxib (Prexige®) en el control del dolor postoperatorio resultante de la extracción quirúrgica de terceros molares inferiores impactados. Fueron incluídos, veinte pacientes adultos de la División de Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial de la Escuela de Odontología de Araraquara, UNESP que presentaron terceros molares inferiores impactados. La extracción de los dientes impactados se realizó en distintos tiempos operatorios a cada lado en un diseño de estudio de boca dividida. Los antinflamatorios evaluados fueron administrados de forma aleatoria en el primer y segundo procedimento quirúrgico. El nivel de dolor se registró utilizando una escala visual análoga a las 6, 24, 48 y 72 horas después de la intervención. Ambos; lumiracoxib 400 mg y diclofenaco 100 mg son eficientes para el control del dolor agudo, después de la extracción quirúrgica de terceros molares inferiores impactados. Sin embargo, lumiracoxib ofreció mejor control del dolor.

Experimental osteonecrosis: development of a model in rodents administered alendronate

Abstract The main objective of this study was to cause bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws to develop in a rodent model. Adult male Holtzman rats were assigned to one of two experimental groups to receive alendronate (AL; 1 mg/kg/week; n = 6) or saline solution (CTL; n = 6). After 60 days of drug therapy, all animals were subjected to first lower molar extraction, and 28 days later, animals were euthanized. All rats treated with alendronate developed osteonecrosis, presenting as ulcers and necrotic bone, associated with a significant infection process, especially at the inter-alveolar septum area and crestal regions. The degree of vascularization, the levels of C-telopeptide cross-linked collagen type I and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, as well as the bone volume were significantly reduced in these animals. Furthermore, on radiographic analysis, animals treated with alendronate presented evident sclerosis of the lamina dura of the lower first molar alveolar socket associated with decreased radiographic density in this area. These findings indicate that the protocol developed in the present study opens new perspectives and could be a good starting model for future property design.

Calvarial autogenous bone graft for maxillary ridge and sinus reconstruction for rehabilitation with dental implants.

Autogenous bone grafting is the gold-standard technique for bone augmentation procedures prior to implant placement. If the amount of available intraoral donor bone is insufficient, it is necessary to harvest bone graft from extraoral sites, such as calvaria. Although this technique is well established, only a few case reports show the histological analysis of the grafted bone at the moment of implant placement. This article reports the case of a 48-year-old female patient with a critical atrophic maxillary ridge reconstructed using autogenous calvarial bone graft prior to implant placement, with clinical and histological evaluation. Bone was collected under general anesthesia from the parietal bone. The outer cortical originated the bone blocks, and the medullar bone layer between was collected to be used in the sinus augmentation procedure, together with 5 of the bone blocks triturated. Six months after bone augmentation, 8 implants were placed in the grafted area and 2 biopsies were retrieved (anterior and the posterior regions), allowing the visualization of the bone-remodeling process in the grafted areas. The patient had a stable recovery. Our results showed that although necrotic bone could still be seen in the outer layer of the grafted area, the interface between this necrotic bone and the already remodeled bone was consistent with biocompatibility. Two-year radiographic evaluation showed success of the grafts and the implants in supporting an esthetic and functionally stable prosthesis. Summarizing, calvarial bone grafts are a viable alternative for the attainment of adequate bone volume prior to implant placement.

Effects of chronic stress and alendronate therapy on the osseointegration of titanium implants.

PURPOSES: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the influence of chronic stress (CS) on implant osseointegration and also to analyze whether alendronate (ALN) therapy could prevent these eventual stress-negative effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Holtzmann rats were assigned to one of the four experimental groups: AL (ALN; 1 mg/kg/week; n = 12), ALS (ALN + CS; 1 mg/kg/week; n = 12), CTL (sterile physiological saline; n = 12), or CTLS (sterile physiological saline + CS; n = 12). After 58 days of drug therapy, the ALS and CTLS groups were exposed to CS, and 2 days later all animals underwent tibial implant installation. The animals were euthanized 28 days following the operative surgical procedure. RESULTS: It was observed that the CTLS group presented an impairment of bone metabolism represented by lowest levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and bone area fraction occupancy values. Furthermore, these animals presented a higher proportion of empty osteocytic lacunae. In contrast, the ALN therapy showed increased osseointegration and torque value parameters, regardless of stress exposition. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the data presented suggests that CS partially impairs the osseointegration of tibial implants and that ALN therapy is able to prevent these negative effects.

Periodontal growth in areas of vascular malformation in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome: a management protocol.

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a very rare condition characterized by abnormal vascular formations that encompass several manifestations: cutaneous, neurologic, ocular, and oral. Neurologic conditions are the most important factor, especially epilepsy, which frequently leads patients to make use of anticonvulsants. These drugs are capable of inducing abnormal tissue growth in the oral cavity that can be situated over areas with vascular malformation, requiring special attention by the clinician. This report describes 1 case of SWS and performs a literature review of treatments for this condition, providing a protocol of treatment for these clinical situations.

Experimental development of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws in rodents.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) following the use of bisphosphonates has become of increased interest in the scientific community, due in particular to its as-yet-unsolved pathogenesis. An experimental model of ONJ was induced in normal male rats [alendronate (ALN); 1 mg/Kg/day; n = 10] and matched controls (saline solution; n = 10). After 60 days of drug treatment, all animals were subjected to extractions of the left first lower molars and were euthanized at 3 and 28 days postsurgery. The following analyses were performed: (i) descriptive and quantitative (scores) histological evaluation, (ii) stereometry of distal sockets and (iii) biochemical measurement of C-telopeptide cross-linked collagen type I (CTX) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP). The results showed that 28 days postsurgery the animals treated with ALN had areas of exposed and necrotic bone, associated with significant infection, especially in the interalveolar septum area and crestal regions, compared with controls. The levels of CTX, BALP and bone volume, as well as the degrees of inflammation and vascularization, were significantly reduced in these animals. Therefore, analysis of the data presented suggests that ALN therapy is associated with the development of osteonecrosis in the jaws of rodents after tooth extraction.

Osteomielitis crónica con periostitis proliferativa / Chronic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis

La osteomielitis crónica con periostitis proliferativa es un tipo de alteración caracterizada por una reacción periosteal exacerbada causada por un estimulo de baja intensidad, generalmente una lesión cariosa con patología periapical asociada. Actúa principalmente en niños y adolescentes con predilección por la región basilar de mandíbula. Clínicamente, se manifiesta a través de un aumento de volumen doloroso intra o extraoral, de consistencia endurecida. Radiográficamente presenta laminas óseas neoformadas, paralelas entre si con superficie cortical, observándose el aspecto típico de "cascara de cebolla". El tratamiento incluye el retiro del factor etiológico con o sin antibioterapia y posterior restablecimiento de la simetría facial del paciente. Este trabajo presenta un caso de osteomielitis crónica con periostitis proliferativa en una paciente de sexo femenino de 11 años de edad, causada por una lesión cariosa en el primer molar inferior izquierdo, quien fue sometida a exodoncia del diente comprometido con posterior restablecimiento de la simetría facial.

Chronic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis is a kind of osteomyelitis that is characterized by a great periosteal reaction resulting of low grade stimulation, usually a caries lesion associated a periapical pathology. It affects especially children and young adults, with the mandible as the most common site, usually in the inferior aspect. Clinically presents as a painless hard swelling intra and/or extra-oral. Radiographic aspects include bone layers new formed, parallel to each other and to the underlying cortical surface, giving the characteristic appearance of "onion skin". Treatment includes elimination of the cause, with or without antibiotics, being restored the facial symmetry of patient. The present article is a clinical case report of chronic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis affecting a female 11 year old patient, caused by a caries lesion in the left permanent first molar, that was submissed to a exodontia and the facial symmetry of the patient was restored with management.

Long-term treatment with alendronate increases the surgical difficulty during simple exodontias - an in vivo observation in Holtzman rats.

BACKGROUND: Atraumatic teeth extractions protocols are highly encouraged in patients taking bisphosphonates (Bps) to reduce surgical trauma and, consequently, the risk of jaws osteonecrosis development. In this way, this paper aims to report the findings of increased surgical difficulty during simple exodontias in animals treated with bisphosphonates. METHODS: Sixty male Holtzman rats were randomly distributed into three groups of 20 animals and received daily subcutaneous administration of 1 mg/kg (AL1) or 3 mg/kg (AL3) of alendronate or saline solution (CTL). After 60 days of drug therapy all animals were submitted to first lower molars extractions under general anesthesia. Operatory surgical time and the frequency of teeth fractures were measured as principal outcomes and indicators of surgical difficulty degree. RESULTS: Animals treated with alendronate (AL1 and AL3) were associated to higher operatory times and increased frequency of teeth fractures compared to match controls. CONCLUSIONS: The bisphosphonate therapy may be associated with an increased surgical difficulty and trauma following simple exodontias protocols, which is considered a critical issue when it comes to osteonecrosis development.

Epidemiological aspects of rheumatoid arthritis patients affected by oral bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.

This literature review aims to evaluate the epidemiologic profile of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that developed a bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis that affect the jaws (BRONJ), including demographic aspects, as well as clinical and therapeutic issues. A search of PUBMED/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from January 2003 to September 2011 was conducted with the objective of identifying publications that contained case reports regarding oral BRONJ in RA patients. Patients with RA who develop oral BRONJ are usually women above 60 years taking steroids and long-term alendronate. Most of them have osteoporosis, and lesions, triggered by dental procedures, are usually detected at stage II in the mandible. Although there is no accepted treatment protocol, these patients seem to have better outcomes with conservative approaches that include antibiotic therapy, chlorhexidine, and drug discontinuation.

Is rheumatoid arthritis a risk factor for oral bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws?

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is a relevant side-effect of these drugs that has been generating a great concern through increasing reports, worldwide, of this bone necrosis. Among several BRONJ hypothetical co-factors that could play a role in BRONJ pathogenesis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been included as a relevant risk factor for BRONJ; however, until now the relationship between these diseases has not been fully explained. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to establish hypothetical factors that could link these two diseases, considering mainly inflammatory components and the organism effects of medicines used to treat RA, particularly steroids and methotrexate (MTX).

Oral bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a critical discussion and two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a clinical condition characterized by the presence of exposed bone in the maxillofacial region. Its pathogenesis is still undetermined, but may be associated with risk factors such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this paper is to report two unpublished cases of BRONJ in patients with RA and to conduct a literature review of similar clinical cases with a view to describe the main issues concerning these patients, including demographic characteristics and therapeutic approaches applied. METHODS: Two case reports of BRONJ involving RA patients were discussed RESULTS: Both patients were aging female taking alendronate for more than 3 years. Lesions were detected in stage II in posterior mandible with no clear trigger agent. The treatment applied consisted of antibiotics, oral rinses with chlorhexidine, drug discontinuation and surgical procedures. Complete healing of the lesions was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: This paper brings to light the necessity for rheumatologists to be aware of the potential risk to their patients of developing BRONJ and to work together with dentists for the prevention and early detection of the lesions. Although some features seem to link RA with oral BRONJ and act as synergistic effects, more studies should be developed to support the scientific bases for this hypothesis.

Implantes curtos / Short implants - review

O avanço tecnológico na Implantodontia contemporânea tem facilitado o processo de reabilitação oral dos pacientes parcialmente ou totalmente edêntulos. Por outro lado, acidentes anatômicos, como a presença do seio maxilar e do canal mandibular na região posterior dos maxilares, limitam a colocação de implantes nessas regiões. Além disso, devido à ausência dentária, frequentemente, se observa a atrofia dos rebordos maxilares e mandibulares, o que limita o tecido ósseo disponível para a reabilitação dos pacientes com próteses sobreimplantes osseointegráveis. Algumas soluções vêm sendo realizadas a fim de possibilitar a reabilitação com implantes odontológicos em situações adversas, como a utilização de implantes curtos (até 10 mm) e/ou implantes de menor diâmetro (2,8; 3,3 e 3,5 mm). O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar a literatura sobre a utilização de implantes odontológicos curtos, trazendo para o clínico uma visão atual sobre o tema. Com base na literatura atual, conclui-se que os implantes odontológicos curtos apresentam taxa de sucesso clínico semelhante àquela dos implantes convencionais, sendo uma alternativa viável para os procedimentos reabilitadores em situações limítrofes.

Lip cavernous hemangioma in a young child.

Hemangiomas are benign tumors of infancy and childhood, characterized by a phase of fast growth with endothelial cell proliferation, occurring in 10-12% of children at 1 year of age. It is known that hemangiomas of infancy are most commonly located on the head and neck region (around 60% of cases) and occur more frequently in the lips, tongue, and palate. Approximately 50% of hemangiomas have complete resolution, and 90% of them are resolved up to the age of 9. Complications occur in only 20% of the cases, the most common problem being ulceration with or without infection. The treatment depends on lesion location, size and evolution stage, and the patient's age. Surgery is usually indicated when there is no response to systemic treatments, or even for esthetic reasons, being performed as a simple excision in combination or not with plastic surgery. This paper reports a case of lip cavernous hemangioma in a 4-year-old child, who was submitted to 3 sessions of vascular sclerosis due to the size of the lesion, before undergoing simple excision of the hemangioma. Two years of postoperative clinical follow-up shows treatment success with no recurrence of the lesion.