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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three-Dimensional Volumetric Analysis of Frontal Ethmoidal Cells and Evaluation of Influential Factors: A Helical Computed Tomography Study.

In the present study, we aimed to assess frontal ethmoidal cells by using segmentation 3D software to establish a possible correlation between volume variation and both gender and age, as well as a relationship with Keros classification. Helical computed tomography images were obtained from 71 patients for analysis, in which the agger nasi cell, supra agger cell, supra agger frontal cell, supra bulla frontal cell, supraorbital ethmoidal cell, supra bulla cell, and frontal septal cell were identified and segmented to obtain their volume. Significant differences in volume were found for age and gender regarding agger nasi cells (p-value = 0.017), supra agger cells (p-value < 0.001), and frontal septal cells (p-value = 0.049). In the frontal septal cells, an increase of one year in age reduced the volume by 0.309, on average. According to Keros classification, the mean volumes were 10.07 and 25.64, respectively, for types II and III, both being greater than that of type I. Extracting volumetric data by using segmentation software in agger nasi cells, supra agger cells, and frontal septal cells may be useful for obtaining additional information related to age, in addition to possibly contributing to elucidating the anatomical variations in the region and an identification forensic tool.

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

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

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

Association of volume and voxel intensity of the articular disc and lateral pterygoid muscle in migraine patients: a study with magnetic resonance imaging.

Objectives: To compare the volume and voxel intensity of articular disc and lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) between a group of migraine patients and a control group (those without history of headache) by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Patients and methods: MRI scans of 17 migraine patients and 15 healthy controls subjects were analysed and processed, using ITK-SNAP software, by a single investigator, for calculation of volumes and voxel intensity of articular disc and superior and inferior head of LPM.Results: There were statistically significant differences between migraine patients and controls regarding the volume and voxel intensity of articular disc and inferior head of LPM, increasing in migraine patients. Intra-rater was highly consistent and reproducible (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC] = 1).Conclusions: Higher voxel intensity in disc and inferior head of LPM of MRI scans was linked to the increased volume of articular disc, inferior head of LPM and migraine.

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

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

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

Bilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst: a case report emphasizing the role of imaging examination in the diagnosis.

A mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst is an inflammatory cyst that usually occurs on the buccal aspect of the permanent mandibular first molar of children. This lesion is diagnosed by an association of radiographic, clinical, and histological features. We report a bilateral case of mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst and discuss the main findings of this entity. A 7-year-old girl presented pain and delayed dental eruption in the posterior mandibular region. A cone beam computed tomography was performed and revealed hypodense lesions involving the crown and root of the mandibular first molars, with expansion of the buccal cortical and lingual tilting of the molar roots. A biopsy was carried out, and the common features of an inflammatory odontogenic cyst were histologically observed. The final diagnosis was bilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst. Clinicians need to be aware of this diagnostic possibility in cases of mandibular cysts in children-especially when bilateral-to perform the correct treatment, which should not involve the extraction of the affected tooth.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Anatomical Assessment of the Olfactory Fossa.

This study aimed to investigate the olfactory fossa according to the Keros classification using cone beam computed tomography. This cross-sectional study analysed cone beam computed tomography images selected from a database belonging to a radiology centre. The scans of 174 healthy patients were analysed by using the Xoran software. Gender, age, and side were correlated with the Keros classification. The mean age of the 174 patients was 45.3 years. The most prevalent Keros classification was type II (65.52%), followed by type III (20.69%) and type I (13.79%). No significant differences were found between Keros classification and the variables age, right side (p value = 0.4620), and left side (p value = 0.5709). There were also no significant differences between gender and the variables right side (p value = 0.1421) and left side (p value = 0.2136). Based on these results, we suggest that cone beam computed tomography can be recommended for analysis of the anterior skull base. Keros type II was the most prevalent type in our sample.

Bilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst: a case report emphasizing the role of imaging examination in the diagnosis

A mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst is an inflammatory cyst that usually occurs on the buccal aspect of the permanent mandibular first molar of children. This lesion is diagnosed by an association of radiographic, clinical, and histological features. We report a bilateral case of mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst and discuss the main findings of this entity. A 7-year-old girl presented pain and delayed dental eruption in the posterior mandibular region. A cone beam computed tomography was performed and revealed hypodense lesions involving the crown and root of the mandibular first molars, with expansion of the buccal cortical and lingual tilting of the molar roots. A biopsy was carried out, and the common features of an inflammatory odontogenic cyst were histologically observed. The final diagnosis was bilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst. Clinicians need to be aware of this diagnostic possibility in cases of mandibular cysts in children­especially when bilateral­to perform the correct treatment, which should not involve the extraction of the affected tooth.

Diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging in the analysis of ameloblastoma: report of two cases / Valor diagnóstico da ressonância magnética na análise do ameloblastoma: relato de dois casos

Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor that shares clinical and imaging characteristics with other lesions of the jaws, such as odontogenic keratocyst, which makes the diagnosis difficult.However, in addition to radiographic and tomographic examinations, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been increasingly used, contributing with relevant additional information about thedifferentiation between solid and liquid components of the lesion. This case report was conducted to present two variations of ameloblastoma and discuss the radiographic, tomographic and MRI contribution in the differential diagnosis between ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst. The signal intensity in T1-weighted MRI revealed internal fluid content in both cases, which was important in the differential diagnosis with other intraosseous lesions such as odontogenic keratocysts. This is probably due to the presence of keratin that increases the viscosity of the content and also for an intermediate signal intensity signal in T2-weighted MRI. Therefore, MRI revealed important internal characteristics of the reported lesions, which was very useful in the establishment of the differential diagnosis with other lesions. (AU)

O ameloblastoma é um tumor odontogênico que compartilha características clínicas e de imagem com outras lesões da mandíbula, como o ceratocisto odontogênico, o que dificulta o seu diagnóstico. Entretanto, além dos exames radiográficos e tomográficos, a ressonância magnética (RM) tem sido cada vez mais utilizada, contribuindo com informações adicionais relevantes sobre a diferenciação entre componentes sólidos e líquidos da lesão. Este relato de caso apresenta duas variações de ameloblastoma e discuti a contribuição radiográfica, tomográfica e da RM no diagnóstico diferencial entre o ameloblastoma e o ceratocisto odontogênico. A RM ponderada em T1 revelou conteúdo líquido interno em ambos os casos relatados, o que foi importante no diagnóstico diferencial com outras lesões intraósseas, como os ceratocistos odontogênicos. Isto ocorre devido à presença de queratina aumentar a viscosidade do conteúdo e também gerar um sinal de intensidade intermediária na RM ponderada em T2. Portanto, a RM revelou importantes características internas das lesões relatadas, o que foi muito útil no estabelecimento do diagnóstico diferencial com outras lesões. (AU)

Evaluation measure of 3d volumetry of masseter hypertrophy: association with modalities of imaging / Avaliação de medidas volumétricas 3D da hipertrofia massetérica em dois casos: associação com modalidades de imagem

Abstract Masseteric hypertrophy is a benign condition, asymptomatic and rare, characterized by the excessive development of the masseter muscle, which usually results in aesthetic complaints. The imaging exams for differential diagnosis of pathologies in the parotid-masseteric region is always recommended. This work aims the imaging characterization of masseteric hypertrophy through the report of two clinical cases combining different imaging modalities: panoramic radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasonography and 3D volumetry. Two male subjects with no family history of masseteric hypertrophy were referred to a diagnostic center in dentomaxillofacial radiology due to an increase in bilateral facial volume in the masseteric region. Images of the panoramic radiography showed an increase of the bilateral mandibular angle in both cases. Using computerized tomography, bilateral masseter muscle hypertrophy was demonstrated in the patients, and magnetic resonance scan and ultrasound examination were performed for better visualization and muscle measurement. 3D volumetry assessment of musculature showed as additional tool to evaluate the status of the masseter muscles in patients with Masseteric hypertrophy. Therefore, the association of imaging examinations allowed to perform the imaging characterization of masseteric hypertrophy with presence of bone exostosis.

RESUMO A hipertrofia massetérica é uma condição benigna, assintomática e rara, caracterizada pelo desenvolvimento excessivo do músculo masseter, que geralmente resulta em queixas estéticas. São sempre recomendados os exames de imagem para diagnóstico diferencial de patologias na região parotídea-massetérica. Neste trabalho objetiva-se a caracterização da imagem da hipertrofia massetérica através do relato de dois casos clínicos combinando diferentes modalidades de imagem: radiografia panorâmica, ressonância magnética, tomografia computadorizada, ultra-sonografia e volumetria 3D. Dois indivíduos do sexo masculino sem história familiar de hipertrofia massetérica foram encaminhados para um centro de diagnóstico em radiologia dentomaxilofacial devido ao aumento do volume facial bilateral na região massetérica. As imagens da radiografia panorâmica mostraram um aumento do ângulo mandibular bilateral em ambos os casos. Usando tomografia computadorizada, foi demonstrada hipertrofia muscular massetérica bilateral nos pacientes, e a varredura de ressonância magnética e ultra-sonografia foram realizadas para melhor visualização e medição. A avaliação volumétrica em 3D da musculatura mostrou-se como ferramenta adicional para avaliar o estado dos músculos masseteros em pacientes com hipertrofia massetérica. Portanto, a associação de exames de imagem permitiu realizar a caracterização da imagem da hipertrofia massetérica com presença de exostose óssea.

Influence of voxel size on the accuracy of linear measurements of the condyle in images of cone beam computed tomography: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the influence of voxel size and exposure time on the accuracy of linear measurements of the condyle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four macerated hemi-mandibles of pigs were scanned in nine different voxel size protocols. Three-dimensional models of the condyle were generated in order to establish a comparison between linear measurements obtained with each voxel protocol and those obtained with a caliper (gold standard). The comparison between the protocols was performed considering the average of the two measurements of the condyle in the latero-medial (LM) and antero-posterior (AP) axes and also through repeated measurement ANOVA with rank transformation. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the protocols regarding the LM and AP variables (p-values = 0.0027 and 0.0263, respectively). In the LM axis, the protocol P6 (voxel size of 0.3 mm with scan time of 4.8 seconds) did not show statistical difference compared to the gold standard. The protocols P4 and P5 (voxel size of 0.25 mm with scan times of 14.7 and 26.9 seconds, respectively) were both statistically similar compared to caliper, although they have presented a longer scan time. In the AP axis, the protocol P8 (voxel size of 0.4 mm with time scan of 4.8 seconds) was statistically similar to the gold standard. CONCLUSIONS: A smaller voxel size does not necessarily mean more accuracy regarding the linear measurements of the condyle. It is possible to obtain an acceptable level of accuracy with a larger voxel size and a shorter exposure time to radiation. Key words:CBCT, voxel size, linear measurement, diagnostic imaging.

Evaluation of the mandibular notch angle in three-dimensional virtual models as a parameter for determining age and sexual dimorphism / Avaliação do ângulo da incisura mandibular em modelos virtuais tridimensionais como parâmetro para estimativa de idade e dimorfismo sexual

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the opening of the mandibular notch angle (MNA) as a possible tool for predicting sex and estimating age so as to contribute to forensic anthropological studies. Material and Methods: For this, 60 cone beam computed tomographs (CBCT) belonging to the UNESP ICT Radiology archive, were selected: 5 female and 5 male for each decade of life, beginning on twenties until there seventies, totalizing 30 female and 30 male. Three-dimensional models were generated for each exam and measurements were performed with three-dimensional angular measuring tools using OnDemand 3D software (Cybermed Inc., Tustin, CA, USA) on the MNA. The MNA was measured considering the posteriormost portion of the coronoid process, the lowest point of the mandibular notch, and the anteriormost point of the condylar process of the mandible. The MannWhitney test was performed with the intention of establishing the possible comparative relationships between the values of angular measurements and sex. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between mandibular incision measurements in both sexes, as well as when comparing the angular measurements of the mandibular incisions and the different age groups studied, when a Kruskall-Wallis test was performed. Conclusion: It was concluded that the structure being evaluated did not appear to be an instrument capable of contributing to forensic anthropology evaluations. (Au)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o ângulo de abertura da incisura mandibular (AIM) como uma possível ferramenta para predição sexual e estimativa de idade, de modo a contribuir com estudos antropológicos forenses. Materiais e Métodos: Para tanto, foram selecionadas 60 tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico (TCFC) pertencentes ao arquivo de Radiologia das ICT/UNESP: 30 do sexo feminino e 30 do sexo masculino, contendo 5 exames para cada sexo na 2ª, 3ª, 4ª, 5ª, 6ª e 7ª décadas de vida. Foram gerados modelos tridimensionais para cada exame e as medições foram realizadas com ferramentas de medição angular tridimensionais usando o software OnDemand 3D (Cybermed Inc., Tustin, CA, EUA) nos AIMs. O AIM foi medido considerando a porção mais posterior do processo coronoide, o ponto mais baixo da incisura mandibular, e o ponto mais anterior do processo condilar da mandíbula. O teste de Mann-Whitney foi realizado com o intuito de estabelecer as possíveis relações comparativas entre os valores das medidas angulares e sexo, que não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre as medidas de incisão mandibular em ambos os sexos, assim como quando comparamos as medidas angulares da incisões mandibulares e as diferentes faixas etárias estudadas, foi realizado o teste de Kruskall-Wallis. Resultados: Em relação à reprodutibilidade das medidas, verificou-se que houve reprodutibilidade entre as medidas repetidas. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que a estrutura avaliada não parece ser um instrumento capaz de contribuir para as avaliações antropológicas forenses. (AU)

Prevalence of foramen tympanicum (or of huschke) in a brazilian population: a cone beam computed tomography study / Prevalência do forame timpânico (ou de Huschke) em uma população brasileira: estudo por Tomografia Computadorizada de Feixe Cônico

Objective: To study the prevalence of foramen of Huschke (FH) or foramen tympanicum (FT) in a Brazilian population by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material & Methods: 303 tomographic examinations were selected from an oral radiology clinic's archive, totalising 606 temporomandibular joints (TMJs), all acquired with an I-CAT CBCT scanner (Next Generation, Imaging Science International, Hatfield, PA, USA) operating at voxel size of 0.25 mm and field of view (FoV) between 6.0 to 8.0-cm height to encompass the mid-third of the face. The images were analysed by using XORAN software (Xoran Technologies, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA) on a multiplanar reconstruction window, in which the entire tympanic region (right and left) was individually scanned in the supero-inferior orientation for presence of FH through axial sections. Results: Considering the total sample, we observed a prevalence of 14 foramens (2.27%), with FT being more prevalent in females than in males (respectively, 1.46 % and 0.81%); as for age, we found a higher prevalence of FT in males aged between 0 and 20 years old (0.33%) and in females older than 70 years old (0.66%); and as for the affected side, that is, presence of unilateral or bilateral FT, we found that 0.65% of the examinations had unilateral FT, whereas 1.62% had bilateral FT. Conclusion: FT had a prevalence of 2.27% in our sample, with females being more affected than males and highly prevalent (0.66%) in women older than 70 years old. (AU)

Objetivo: Estudo da prevalência do Forame de Huschke (FH) ou Timpânico (FT) em uma população brasileira, por meio de Tomografia Computadorizada de Feixe Cônico (TCFC). Material e Métodos: Foram selecionados 303 exames (606 articulações temporomandibulares ­ ATM) de TCFC, do arquivo de uma clinica de Radiologia Odontológica, em uma instituição pública, adquiridos em tomógrafo da marca I-CAT Next Generation (Imaging Science International, Hatfield, PA, EUA), com FOV (Campo de Visão) englobando o terço médio da face (entre 6,0 a 8,0 cm de altura) e voxel de 0,25 mm. As imagens foram analisadas na janela de reconstrução multiplanar (MPR) no software XORAN (Xoran Technologies, Ann Arbor, Michigan, EUA), sendo realizada uma varredura de toda a região timpânica (direita e esquerda) individualmente, no sentido supero-inferior dos cortes axiais, para verificar a presença FH. Resultados: Considerandose o total da amostra, foi observada uma prevalência de 14 forames (2,27%), tendo maior prevalência do FT no gênero feminino sobre o masculino (1,46% e 0,81% da amostra, respectivamente); quanto à idade, podemos indicar que maior prevalência da ocorrência do FT foi em homens de 0 a 20 anos (0,33%) e acima dos 70 anos para mulheres (0,66%) e quanto ao lado afetado pela presença do FT ­ unilateral ­ direito ou esquerdo ­ ou bilateral, encontramos que 0,65% dos exames da amostra apresentavam-se unilaterais, enquanto 1,62% no total, bilaterais. Conclusão: O FT apresentou uma prevalência de 2,27% na amostra, sendo o gênero feminino o mais acometido, com alta prevalência (0,66%) neste, acima dos 70 anos. (AU)

3D Morphology Analysis of TMJ Articular Eminence in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the computational reconstruction of the articular eminence of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and semiautomatic volumetric segmentation techniques for morphological classification of the TMJ structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 MRI scans of TMJ individuals were selected and formatted by using the ITK-SNAP software, consisting of MRI segmentation and generation of 3D models. The TMJ articular eminences were also classified according to the morphology analysis of the articular eminence in 3D reconstructions. Two independent trained and calibrated investigators performed the image analysis, which was repeated after thirty days. RESULTS: There was no association between sex and eminence shape (p = 0.456). Fisher's test revealed no statistically significant association between disc classification and eminence shape on both sides (p = 0.629). Chi-square test showed a significant statistically association between disc classification and disc displacement (p = 0.000). Intra- and interrater correlation coefficients showed excellent reproducibility values. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variability of the sample investigated was found, with predominantly round shape and presence of correlation between this shape and normal disc position. The correlation of flattened and convex shapes with disc position reduction indicated that type of disc derangement is more prevalent.

Assessment of the opening diameter of the incisive foramen as a parameter for gender and age estimation / Avaliação do diâmetro de abertura do forame incisivo como parâmetro de estimativa de sexo e idade

Objective: To analyse the opening diameter of incisive foramen as a parameter for gender and age estimation by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: After approval by the local research ethics committee, CBCT images were obtained from the dental database of a diagnostic centre and then selected. Images suggesting presence of periapical lesions and periodontal changes were excluded, as well as those of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, with trauma to the mid-facial third, with cleft/lip palate, cranial or syndromic morphological changes, or even absence of one of the upper incisors. The images of male and female patients were distributed according to age groups (i.e. 10-30 years, 31-50 years, and 51 years or older) and then assessed twice and independently by three surgeon-dentists with experience in radiology by means of the XoranCat® software. The resulting data were tabulated and statistically analysed by using the SAS® software (version 2003) ­ PROC GLM for mixed generalised models ­ and Tukey's test for comparison of the mean values at 5% significance level. Results: Considering the methodology used, the results have demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the method for gender estimation. However, it was observed that there was a gradual increase in the mean values as the age advances in the majority of the age groups for both males and females, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) regarding age estimation. Conclusion: The use of incisive foramen as a gender parameter has had a limited forensic value, but it is an innovative approach in the process of age estimation. (AU)

Objetivo: Analisar o diâmetro de abertura do forame incisivo como parâmetro de estimativa de sexo e idade utilizando exames de Tomografia Computadorizada de Feixe Cônico (TCFC). Material e Métodos: Mediante aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, selecionaram se exames de TCFC originários do arquivo odontológico de um determinado centro diagnóstico. Foram excluídos os exames que sugerissem presença de lesões periapicais, alterações periodontais, bem como de pacientes sob tratamento ortodôntico, com trauma no terço médio facial, com fissuras palatinas, alterações morfológicas em crânio ou sindrômicos, ou ainda ausência de qualquer um dos dentes incisivos superiores. As imagens foram distribuídas segundo faixa etária de 10 a 30 anos, 31 a 50 anos, 51 anos ou mais, de ambos os sexos, e avaliadas duas vezes por três Cirurgiões-Dentistas radiologistas de forma independente utilizando o software XoranCat®. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente através do Software SAS®, versão 2003, por meio do PROC GLM, modelos mistos generalizados e o teste de comparação de médias foi o Tukey a 5% de significância. Resultados: Considerando a metodologia adotada, os resultados não demonstraram diferença estatisticamente significante que pudesse sugerir um método de estimativa de sexo. Porém, percebeu-se que houve um aumento gradativo das médias encontradas conforme o avanço da idade para ambos os sexos na maioria dos grupos, além de uma diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0,05) em relação à estimativa de idade. Conclusão: A utilização do forame incisivo como parâmetro dimórfico entre sexos demonstrou limitado valor forense, mas apresenta uma proposta inovadora no processo de estimativa de idade. (AU)

Sinais radiográficos da densidade mineral óssea em radiografias panorâmicas de pacientes pré e pós-menopausa / Radiographic signs of bone mineral density in panoramic radiographs from pre and postmenopausal patients

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de radiografias panorâmicas (RP) e seus índices radiomorfométricos como método auxiliar para o diagnóstico da osteoporose. Material e Método: Foram selecionadas vinte e cinco mulheres, que tinham sido encaminhadas para PR com fins diferentes. As PR foram analisadas de acordo com o MCI, que avalia o córtex mandibular abaixo do forame mentual, e, em seguida, divididos em dois grupos: normal, e perda mineral de osso. Scans de densitometria óssea foram obtidos (DXA) da coluna lombar e colo do fémur / fêmur inteiro, que foram utilizados como padrão-ouro para comparação com o MCI. Teste de Kappa (p < 0,05) foi utilizado para determinar a associação entre a MCI e leituras de densitometria óssea. Resultados: Em relação à DXA, 7 pacientes eram normais na coluna lombar ou fêmur, 24 pacientes apresentaram osteopenia na coluna lombar ou fémur e 9 indivíduos tinham osteoporose na coluna lombar ou fêmur. Em relação à associação entre a DXA e MCI, 18 pacientes apresentaram algum grau de perda óssea na coluna detectado por ambos DXA e o índice Klemetti. Conclusões: PR não deve ser utilizada para confirmar o diagnóstico de osteoporose ou osteopenia, mas pode ser útil para avaliar o risco de tais doenças estar presente.(AU)

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of panoramic radiographs (PR) and their radiomorphometric indices as an auxiliary method for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Material and Methods: Twenty five women were selected, who had been prescribed PR for different purposes. The PR were analysed according to the MCI, which evaluates the mandibular cortex below the mental foramen, and then divided into two groups: normal and bone mineral loss. Bone densitometry scans were obtained (DXA) from the lumbar spine and neck of the femur/whole femur, which were used as the gold standard for comparison against the MCI. Kappa test (p< 0.05) was used to determine the association between the MCI and bone densitometry readings. Results: Regarding the DXA, 7 patients were normal at the lumbar spine or femur, 24 subjects showed osteopenia at the lumbar spine or femur and 9 subjects had osteoporosis at the lumbar spine or femur. Regarding the association between DXA and MCI, 18 subjects showed some degree of bone loss at the spine detected by both DXA and the Klemetti index. Conclusions: PR should not be used to confirm the diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia, but may be useful to assess the risk of such diseases being present.(AU)

TMJ dimensions in three-dimensional virtual models acquired through computed tomography of cone beam as sexual dimorphism / Dimensões das ATM em modelos virtuais tridimensionais obtidos por tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico como determinantes do dimorfismo sexual

Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou relacionar as dimensões da cabeça da mandíbula com o sexo e faixa etária por meio de modelos tridimensionais obtidos por imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Material e Métodos: Foram selecionados 120 exames de TCFC pertencentes ao arquivo da Clínica de Radiologia ICT-UNESP, divididos em 04 faixas etárias, cada uma contendo 12 indivíduos de cada sexo então obtidos modelos tridimensionais virtuais e realizadas, duas medidas em cada cabeça da mandíbula: ântero-posterior (AP) e látero medial (LM). Utilizou-se teste t para amostras independentes para comparação das mensurações. Resultados: nas medidas AP apenas no lado esquerdo, entre 31 a 40 anos de idade apresentou diferença estatística entre os sexos; nas medidas LM, houve diferenças estatísticas entre os sexos em todas as faixas etárias em ambos os lados, exceto na faixa etária acima de 60 anos. Conclusão: as medidas LM das cabeças da mandíbula, independente do lado, apresentaram-se com diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os sexos e faixas etárias, com tendência a maiores valores no sexo masculino, podendo ser um fator determinante de dimorfismo sexual.(AU)

Objective: The objective of this study was to relate the dimensions of the mandibular condyle with sex and age by means of three-dimensional models obtained by cone-beam computed tomography images (CBCT). Material and Methods: 120 CBCT examinations were selected belonging to the archives of the ICTUNESP Clinic of Radiology. They were divided into five age groups, each containing 12 individuals of each sex. Virtual three-dimensional models were then created and two measurements from each mandibular condyle were taken: anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML). The t-test was used for independent samples to compare the measurements. Results: The AP measurements only of the left side showed a statistical difference between the sexes between 31 to 40 years of age; in the ML measurements, there were statistical differences between the sexes in all age groups on both sides, except in the age group above 60 years. Conclusion: The ML measurements of the mandibular condyles, regardless of side, showed significant statistical differences between sexes and age groups, with a tendency to greater values in males, and may be a determinant factor of sexual dimorphism (AU)

Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis of Dentigerous Cyst.

Odontogenic cysts have a high prevalence in the dental clinic population, with dentigerous cyst being one of the most frequent ones and whose aetiology involves accumulation of fluid between the reduced enamel epithelium and the crown of an unerupted tooth. In the diagnostic process of these lesions, one should consider complementary imaging exams such as conventional radiography and computed tomography, which are commonly used for providing anatomical information on the tissues compromised by the lesion, but not on the nature of it. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are noninvasive modalities which, due to their unique acquisition characteristics, can provide distinct information on the nature of the lesion. This study reports on a case of dentigerous cyst in the mandible of a 9-year-old patient, documented by means of different imaging modalities. MRI played an important role in both diagnosis of the lesion and differential diagnosis between neoplastic lesions presenting similar imagenological behaviour under other techniques of radiography.