Transfacial transmandibular approach to the masticator space: Excision of odontogenic myxoma arising from the mandibular condyle.

Odontogenic myxomas are an uncommon benign odontogenic tumor that can present with a wide variety of symptomatology depending on location and potentially be locally destructive. The present case describes a 66-year-old female who presented with left lower facial paresthesia, left aural fullness and hearing loss. She was found to have an odontogenic myxoma that involved the condylar head and extended into the masticator space. In this report we detail our surgical approach utilizing a preauricular transfacial transmandibular approach to the masticator space. In addition, we will discuss various approaches to the masticator space and infratemporal fossa along with considerations on how to manage facial nerve paralysis, facial contour deformities, and post-operative rehabilitation for permanent unilateral condylar head disarticulation.

Dental deafferentation and brain damage: A review and a hypothesis.

In the last few decades, neurobiological and human brain imaging research have greatly advanced our understanding of brain mechanisms that support perception and memory, as well as their function in daily activities. Knowledge of the neurobiological mechanisms behind the deafferentation of stomatognathic systems has also expanded greatly in recent decades. In particular, current studies reveal that the peripheral deafferentations of stomatognathic systems may be projected globally into the central nervous system (CNS) and become an associated critical factor in triggering and aggravating neurodegenerative diseases. This review explores basic neurobiological mechanisms associated with the deafferentation of stomatognathic systems. Further included is a discussion on tooth loss and other dental deafferentation (DD) mechanisms, with a focus on dental and masticatory apparatuses associated with brain functions and which may underlie the changes observed in the aging brain. A new hypothesis is presented where DD and changes in the functionality of teeth and the masticatory apparatus may cause brain damage as a result of altered cerebral circulation and dysfunctional homeostasis. Furthermore, multiple recurrent reorganizations of the brain may be a triggering or contributing risk factor in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). A growing understanding of the association between DD and brain aging may lead to solutions in treating and preventing cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

Orofacial characteristics of functionally independent elders. / Características orofaciais de idosos funcionalmente independentes.

PURPOSE: to understand the main orofacial characteristics of functionally independent elderly individuals and to investigate their association with age, gender, socioeconomic level, and dental status. METHODS: an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out with a non-probabilistic sample. Inclusion criteria: minimum age of 60 years, individual in good health conditions according to a pre-established protocol published by the health care service. In order to collect the data, we used the validated Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores for Aged Protocol. RESULTS: The elderly individuals presented normal patterns in more than 60% of the appearance and mobility parameters. Significant alterations observed were: pronounced nasolabial sulcus; flaccid or arched cheeks; labial sealing with tension or absence of sealing; and depressed labial commissures. Alterations in mobility were few, between 20.6% and 33.8%, with higher prevalence of alterations when raising the tongue, lateralizing air inflated in cheeks and jaw. There was no relationship between these findings and the progression of age and socioeconomic classes. Women were more likely to show normal appearance of lips and some alterations in lips mobility. The number of teeth was associated with the volume and shape of lips and with jaw mobility. In addition, the use of dental prosthesis was shown to be significantly related to the nasolabial sulcus aspect and the configuration/tension of cheeks. CONCLUSION: This study suggests normal patterns of oromyofacial system in most functionally independent elderly individuals. It supports multidisciplinary action for prevention, promotion, and treatment of the elderly population's oral functions.

Características orofaciais de idosos funcionalmente independentes / Orofacial characteristics of functionally independent elders

RESUMO Objetivo conhecer as características orofaciais de idosos funcionalmente independentes e analisar a associação com a idade, gênero, nível socioeconômico e estado dentário. Método estudo observacional, transversal de caráter analítico com amostra não probabilística. Foi aplicado o instrumento validado "Protocolo de Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escalas para Idoso" em sujeitos funcionalmente independentes com idade igual ou acima de 60 anos, em boas condições de saúde segundo avaliação geriátrica padronizada, intitulada Protocolo de Avaliação Multidimensional do Idoso. Resultados os idosos apresentaram padrões de normalidade acima de 60% nos parâmetros de aspecto e mobilidade das estruturas. As alterações significantes foram: sulco nasolabial acentuado; bochechas flácidas ou arqueadas; vedamento labial com tensão ou ausência de vedamento e comissuras labiais deprimidas. As alterações de mobilidade foram pequenas, entre 20,6% e 33,8%, com maior prevalência na elevação da língua e lateralização do ar em bochechas infladas e da mandíbula. Não houve relação destes achados perante a progressão da idade e as classes socioeconômicas. As mulheres apresentaram maior chance de exibirem aspecto normal dos lábios e alguma alteração da mobilidade. O número de dentes associou-se com o volume e a configuração dos lábios e a mobilidade da mandíbula. Além disso, o uso de prótese dentária associou-se significativamente com o aspecto do sulco nasolabial e a tensão/configuração das bochechas. Conclusão este trabalho sugere que o sistema oromiofacial encontra-se dentro dos padrões de normalidade na maioria dos idosos funcionalmente independentes. O que ampara a atuação multiprofissional na prevenção, promoção e tratamento da saúde oromiofuncional dos idosos.

ABSTRACT Purpose to understand the main orofacial characteristics of functionally independent elderly individuals and to investigate their association with age, gender, socioeconomic level, and dental status. Methods an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out with a non-probabilistic sample. Inclusion criteria: minimum age of 60 years, individual in good health conditions according to a pre-established protocol published by the health care service. In order to collect the data, we used the validated Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores for Aged Protocol. Results The elderly individuals presented normal patterns in more than 60% of the appearance and mobility parameters. Significant alterations observed were: pronounced nasolabial sulcus; flaccid or arched cheeks; labial sealing with tension or absence of sealing; and depressed labial commissures. Alterations in mobility were few, between 20.6% and 33.8%, with higher prevalence of alterations when raising the tongue, lateralizing air inflated in cheeks and jaw. There was no relationship between these findings and the progression of age and socioeconomic classes. Women were more likely to show normal appearance of lips and some alterations in lips mobility. The number of teeth was associated with the volume and shape of lips and with jaw mobility. In addition, the use of dental prosthesis was shown to be significantly related to the nasolabial sulcus aspect and the configuration/tension of cheeks. Conclusion This study suggests normal patterns of oromyofacial system in most functionally independent elderly individuals. It supports multidisciplinary action for prevention, promotion, and treatment of the elderly population's oral functions.

Mandibular movement during speech of two related Latin languages.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: This study assessed the kinesiographic recordings of jaw movements during reading a text in Galician and Spanish language. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional blind study. METHODS: A homogeneous healthy group of 25 normal stomatognathic system and native Galician participants was studied. Frontal and parasagittal plane recordings of the intraborder lateral jaw movements and during reading Galician and Spanish texts were recorded using a calibrated jaw-tracking device, kinesiograph. RESULTS: Although movements were similar in both languages, a greater retrusion of the jaw in the Spanish language was shown; moreover, a tendency exists for a left-side motion envelope in this right-handedness preference sample. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the hypothesis that speech is controlled by the central nervous system rather than by peripheral factors and that the hemispheric dominance influences the asymmetry of the speech envelope.

Imaging evaluation of the suprahyoid neck.

Evaluating the complex anatomy of the suprahyoid neck on imaging studies can be a daunting task without a sound understanding of anatomy and a systematic approach. In this article, the suprahyoid neck is divided into characteristic anatomic spaces, which allow for the accurate localization of both normal structures and abnormal pathology in the neck. Once a lesion is localized to a specific suprahyoid space, imaging characteristics and clinical data can be used in a logical fashion to provide a clinically useful imaging differential diagnosis.

Alterações do sistema miofuncional orofacial na síndrome de Parry-Romberg: revisão crítica da literatura / Alterations of the myofunctional orofacial system in the Parry-Romberg syndrome: a critical literature review

INTRODUÇÃO Esta revisão qualitativa da literatura analisou publicações científicas internacionais sobre possíveis alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes acometidos pela Síndrome de Parry-Romberg, por meio da base de dados PubMed. MÉTODOS: O levantamento realizado limitou-se a seres humanos, de qualquer faixa etária, no idioma inglês, entre os anos 2002 e 2012. As publicações sem acesso completo, repetidas por sobreposição das palavras-chave, revisões de literatura, cartas ao editor e as não relacionadas diretamente ao tema foram excluídas. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 719 estudos, sendo 21 dentro dos critérios estabelecidos. Com base nos estudos selecionados, pacientes acometidos pela Síndrome de Parry-Romberg podem apresentar alterações dos tecidos mole e duro, tais como atrofia dos músculos esternocleidomastoideo, masseter e pterigoideos; atrofia na região da bochecha e depressão da prega nasolabial; desvio dos lábios e nariz; atrofia unilateral da língua; atrofia do ângulo da boca; reabsorção progressiva do osso da maxila e da mandíbula; atrofia do arco zigomático, do osso frontal e assimetria facial; desenvolvimento atrófico das raízes ou reabsorção patológica dos números de dentes permanentes; redução da mandíbula e erupção atrasada dos dentes superiores e inferiores. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar do crescente interesse pelo diagnóstico e pela descrição sintomatológica de indivíduos com Síndrome de Parry-Romberg, a escassez de publicações que abordem tratamentos funcionais e interdisciplinares é evidente. Verifica-se a necessidade da realização de estudos mais específicos que visem à melhoria da qualidade de vida desses pacientes.

INTRODUCTION This qualitative literature review analyzed international scientific publications on possible orofacial myofunctional alterations in patients with Parry-Romberg syndrome by using PubMed. METHODS: The survey was conducted in English, between 2002 and 2012, and was limited to human beings of any age. Publications without full access, duplicated by overlapping keywords, literature reviews, letters to the editor, and those not directly related to the research topic were excluded. RESULTS: We identified 719 studies, of which 21 were within the established criteria. Based on the selected studies, patients with Parry-Romberg syndrome may show changes in soft and hard tissues such as atrophy of the sternocleidomastoid, masseter, and pterygoid muscles; atrophy in the cheek region and depression of the nasolabial fold; deviation of the lips and nose; unilateral tongue atrophy; atrophy of the mouth angle; progressive resorption of the maxilla and mandible bone; atrophy of the zygomatic arch and frontal bone, and facial asymmetry; atrophic root development or pathological resorption of permanent tooth numbers; and jaw reduction and delayed eruption of the upper and lower teeth. CONCLUSION: Despite the growing interest in the diagnosis and symptomatic description of individuals with Parry-Romberg syndrome, publications that address functional and interdisciplinary treatments are scarce. Therefore, specific studies aimed at improving the quality of life of these patients are needed.

Importancia de la musculatura supra e infrahioidea en la biomecánica mandibular / Importance of the supra and infra-hyoid muscle in mandibular biomechanics

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo buscar en la literatura científica, informaciones que evidencien de forma clara la importancia de la musculatura supra e infrahioidea en la biomecánica mandibular. Fue realizada una revisión de la literatura de forma amplia, no sistemática, mediante la investigación en diferentes bases de datos como SCIELO Brasil, MEDLINE y PubMed. Fueron utilizadas las palabras en portugués: «músculos supra-hióideos» y «músculos infra-hióideos» unidos por la palabra inglesa AND con los siguientes términos: «biomecânica mandibular», «mastigação», «amplitude de movimento articular» y «movimientos bordejantes» además de la aplicación de sus términos correspondientes en inglés. También fueron usados libros de texto. Se observó que la acción funcional de los músculos supra e infrahioideos son esenciales para la biomecánica mandibular y para el equilibrio de la cabeza sobre el cuello. Se observó además que las situaciones parafuncionales que engloban la región supra e infrahioidea necesitan de más evidencias científicas (AU)

This study aimed to search for data in the literature that clearly indicate the importance of the supra- and infra-hyoid muscle in mandibular biomechanics. A broad, non-systematic search of the literature was carried out through research in different databases such as SCIELO Brasil, MEDLINE and PubMed. The following terms, in the Portuguese language, were utilized: «músculos supra-hióideos» and «músculos infra-hióideos», followed by the English word AND with the terms «biomecânica mandibular», «mastigação», «amplitude de movimento articular» and «movimientos bordejantes», in addition to applying their corresponding terms in the English language. Some textbooks were also utilized. According to the literature, the functional action of the supra- and infra-hyoid muscles are essential for mandibular biomechanics and for balancing the head on the neck. There is still a need for more scientific evidence in the approach to para-functional situations involving the supra- and infra-hyoid areas, despite the existence of some publications on this subject (AU)

Sistema miofuncional orofacial e trauma de face: revisão crítica da literatura / Changes in the orofacial myofunctional system after treatment for facial trauma: a critical review of the literature

Introdução: Esta revisão qualitativa da literatura levantou publicações científicas internacionais sobre a funcionalidade do sistema miofuncional orofacial nos traumas faciais, por meio da base de dados PubMed. Método: O levantamento realizado limitou-se a seres humanos, de qualquer faixa etária, no idioma inglês, entre os anos de 2005 e 2011. As publicações sem acesso completo, repetidas por sobreposição das palavras chave, estudos de caso, revisões de literatura, cartas ao editor e as não relacionadas diretamente ao tema foram excluídas. Resultados: Foram identificados 831 estudos, sendo 14 dentro dos critérios estabelecidos. Notou-se que a avaliação mais frequente foi a da função mandibular e depois análise de tratamentos; ocorreu mais fratura no côndilo que ângulo mandibular; utilizou-se mais tratamento cirúrgico juntamente com o conservador, seguido pelo somente cirúrgico e finalmente somente conservador; a maior incidência de traumas faciais foi em adultos do sexo masculino; poucas pesquisas foram realizadas com crianças e grupo-controle; utilizaram-se mais avaliações da função mandibular e clínicas, na maioria pré e pós-cirurgia; a força de mordida e a área oclusal apresentaram melhora póstratamento, no entanto a assimetria mandibular permaneceu; os valores de abertura máxima da boca atingiram a normalidade, porém inferiores ao grupo-controle; houve persistência de alterações na mobilidade mandibular e dor, mesmo após o tratamento; e a terapia miofuncional melhorou o quadro de alterações. Conclusão: É necessário mais publicações sobre o tratamento fonoaudiológico baseado na abordagem miofuncional orofacial nos traumas faciais.

Introduction: This qualitative literature review aims to highlight international scientific publications selected from the PubMed database that describe the changes in the function of the orofacial myofunctional system after facial trauma and the associated treatment outcomes. Methods: Studies published in English between 2005 and 2011 and including individuals of all age groups were included in this review. Publications that were not open access, studies appearing more than once because of overlapping keywords, case studies, literature reviews, letters to the editor, and studies that were not directly related to the subject were excluded. Results: A total of 831 studies were identified, 14 of which fulfilled the established criteria. Assessment of jaw function was the most frequent evaluation performed in the included studies, followed by the analysis of treatments. The incidence of condylar fractures was higher than that of mandibular angle fractures. The majority of cases were managed by surgery combined with conservative treatment, followed by surgery alone and conservative treatment alone. Adult men exhibited a higher incidence of facial trauma. Few studies included children or control groups. Further assessment of jaw and clinical functions before and after surgery revealed the following findings. The bite force and occlusal contact area improved after treatment, whereas mandibular asymmetry persisted even after surgery. The maximum mouth opening returned to normal after treatment, although the range of mouth opening was lower in patients with facial trauma than in controls. Persistent mobility in the mandibular teeth and pain were observed even after treatment. Myofunctional therapy resulted in an overall improvement in jaw function. Conclusions: Although the number of studies on facial trauma is increasing, few studies address the use and benefits of orofacial myofunctional therapy in this field. Further studies on orofacial myofunctional therapy combined with surgery and/ or conservative treatment for facial trauma are necessary.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of lesions at masticator space.

We aim to review the normal anatomy and imaging appearance of masticator space lesions. Because the masticator space is not amenable to direct examination, cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play an important role in diagnosis and characterization of lesions occurring there. Masticator space lesions can be classified on the basis of their origin into the following categories: inflammatory lesions, benign tumors, malignant tumors, vascular lesions, and developmental lesions. A diverse spectrum of malignant tumors and benign lesions are seen extending from the adjacent spaces. In addition, one should also be familiar with pseudolesions as well as post-treatment changes in the masticator space that can be mistaken for pathologic conditions.

The biological effects of occlusal trauma on the stomatognathic system - a focus on animal studies.

The aim of this review of the literature was to assess the biological effects of occlusal trauma on the stomatognathic system focusing on animal studies. However, there are no conclusive explanations on the association between occlusal trauma and disease of the stomatognathic system. A literature survey was performed using the Medline database, covering the period from 1967 to 2012. Over 300 abstracts were reviewed, and 70 manuscripts were selected. Additional references from citations within the articles were obtained, and current textbooks were also used. This review does not include the effects of occlusal trauma on dental implants or dental prostheses/appliances. A total of 70 full articles were included for the final analysis. The selected 70 articles were classified into the following five categories, including the effects of occlusal trauma on the pulp tissues, periodontal tissues, masticatory muscle, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and central nervous system (CNS). It was demonstrated that occlusal trauma caused a variety of harmful biological effects on stomatognathic system. Additionally, occlusal trauma could lead to some pain substance changes in the pulp, periodontal tissues, masticatory muscle, TMJ and CNS, which was possibly related to the peripheral and the central neuronal sensitisation. However, these findings demonstrate that there are remaining disagreements by various authors. More randomised trials are needed to validate these effects.

Morphologic and functional changes in the temporomandibular joint and stomatognathic system after transmandibular surgery in oral and oropharyngeal cancers: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Interruption of mandibular continuity in transmandibular (mandibulotomy and mandibulectomy) surgery for tumour resection in the oral cavity and oropharynx may alter oral and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphology and function. OBJECTIVE: To critically analyze available evidence regarding the effects of transmandibular surgeries on morphologic and functional changes in the TMJ and stomatognathic system. DATA SOURCES: Electronic search of Medline, Embase, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, Ovid HealthStar, and Scopus and hand searches. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Any article investigating the TMJ morphologic changes and/or functional outcomes following transmandibular surgeries. RESULTS AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Two hundred seventy-one articles were obtained through the electronic database scan and six articles via a hand search. Twelve full articles were initially selected as potentially meeting the eligibility for this review; however, only five articles finally fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and were analyzed for their methodology. All articles used clinical records and/or patient reports to evaluate TMJ pain, motion, dental occlusion, mouth opening, and deflection during opening as outcome measures. In only four articles was a clinical examination conducted after surgery, with associated patients' interviews and reports. The quality of all included articles was considered poor with a high risk of bias according to the Research Triangle Institute item bank quality of assessment. CONCLUSION: Based on the limited available evidence for this systematic review and a high risk of bias of the analyzed articles, no firm conclusions can be established regarding the effects of transmandibular surgery on morphologic and functional changes in the TMJ and stomatognathic system.

Perineural invasion and spread in head and neck cancer.

Perineural involvement is a well-recognized clinicopathologic entity found in head and neck (H&N) cancers, including mucosal epithelial carcinomas and salivary gland malignancies. Perineural disease remains a diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic challenge for the multidisciplinary H&N oncology team. Nerves are important routes of tumor spread in H&N malignancies, yet the biology and prognostic implications of perineural tumor growth are not fully understood. On balance, the available evidence suggests that it is associated with an increased risk of locoregional recurrence but the impact on survival remains uncertain. Perineural involvement has implications for locoregional disease diagnosis and management. MRI is the best imaging modality to detect tumor extent. Advanced radiotherapy technologies such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy and image-guided radiation therapy have the potential for more accurate targeting and treatment of anatomically complex patterns of disease spread. This review is limited to nondermatologic H&N cancers.

The rise of transoral robotic surgery in the head and neck: emerging applications.

The use of robotics in the field of head and neck surgery has provided surgeons with the ability to access anatomic locations that were previously only managed via open techniques. This has resulted in decreased overall morbidity, excellent functional results and the promise of equivalent oncologic outcomes. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) provides access to the oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, oral cavity, parapharyngeal space and skull base vial the oral aperture. Studies reviewing the application of TORS to these subsites have been promising, and for many applications TORS has been accepted as a safe and efficacious option for surgical management. However, despite these promising results, TORS remains a surgical instrument that requires sound surgical skill, clinical judgment and oncologic principles, and should be chosen based on the needs of the individual patient and the comfort of the treating surgeon. In this article, we review the history of TORS, relevant anatomy and provide a review of the literature, highlighting the applications, advantages, functional outcomes and disadvantages of TORS for each anatomic subsite.

Características epidemiológicas de la oclusión dentaria en niños de 5 a 11 años / Epidemiological Characteristics of dental occlusion in children from 5 to 11 years old

Las maloclusiones son la tercera causa de la pérdida de dientes en el mundo y consideradas un factor importante que atenta contra la integridad del sistema estomatognático. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 156 niños de 5 a 11 años de edad de la escuela Pablo de la Torriente Brau atendidos en la Clínica Estomatológica Antonio Briones Montoto de Pinar del Río, en el período comprendido entre febrero de 2009 y diciembre de 2010 con el objetivo de determinar las características epidemiológicas de las maloclusiones y las necesidades asistenciales según el tipo de tratamiento. La muestra fue seleccionada a través de un muestreo aleatorio estratificado, proporcional al tamaño de los estratos. Se examinaron los estudiantes en sus aulas, con luz natural, depresores linguales para separar los carrillos y regla milimetrada para las mediciones, lo que permitió observar las relaciones de las arcadas dentarias en oclusión y cada una de ellas por separado. La información recogida fue llevada a una base de datos mediante Microsoft Excel. Se realizó la comparación de proporciones de grupos independientes con el objetivo de determinar las variables de prevalencia más significativas y la prueba Ji cuadrado en su variante de independencia para verificar la relación entre las categorías seleccionadas. El sexo más afectado fue el masculino así como el grupo de edades de 5-8 años y las necesidades asistenciales mayores fueron las del tratamiento interceptivo...(AU)

Malocclusions are the third cause of teeth lost all over the world and are considered an important factor that threatens the integrity of the stomatognathic system. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 156 children (5 to 11 years old) who studied at Pablo de la Torriente Brau Elementary School belonging to the health area of Antonio Briones Montoto dentist's clinic, Pinar del Rio, from February 2009-December 2010 aimed at determining the epidemiological characteristics of malocclusions and the needs of assistance regarding type of treatment. The sample was chosen by means of a random sample proportionally stratified to the size of the stratus. The information was collected in a Microsoft Excel database. The comparison of proportions for independent groups was carried out with the purpose of determining the most significant variables of prevalence and chi square test in its variant of contingency tables. Male sex and the group of ages from 5 to 8 years were the most affected; the major needs of assistance fell into the interceptive treatment...(AU)

The masticator space. Value of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in localisation and characterisation of lesions.

Aim of the study was to assess the different roles of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in the evaluation of anatomical origin and pathological nature of lesions involving the masticator space. Overall 41 cases (31 computed tomography and 14 magnetic resonance imaging) of lesions involving masticator space were retrospectively reviewed by two experienced radiologists in consensus. Reference standards were histopathological results and clinical-radiological follow-up after one year. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed with and without intravenous injection of contrast. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were correct in identifying the space of origin of lesions respectively in 96% and 92% of cases. Computed tomography correctly diagnosed the nature of lesions in 81% of cases and magnetic resonance imaging in 93% of cases; computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging correctly characterized, respectively, 88% and 100% of malignant lesions and, respectively, 73% and 83% of benign lesions. In conclusion both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were effective in the identification of the origin of non-extensive lesions involving masticator space. Computed tomography was more precise in depicting lesions originating from masticator space, while magnetic resonance imaging was more correct in depicting lesions originating from contiguous spaces and involving secondarily the masticator space. Magnetic resonance imaging should always be preferred to characterise lesions, nevertheless computed tomography should be chosen in cases with suspected inflammatory involvement of mandible bone.

Evaluation of solid lesions affecting masticator space with diffusion-weighted MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in differentiating various masticator-space solid lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Before surgery and/or pathologic verification, diffusion-weighted echo-planar MR imaging was performed on 78 subjects who had lesions in their masticator spaces. Based on their pathologic outcomes, lesions were classified into 3 groups: group 1: benign tumors and tumor-like lesions (23 cases); group 2: inflammatory diseases (14 cases); and group 3: malignant tumors (41 cases). Mean apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were calculated from diffusion-weighted MR images that were obtained with a b factor of 0 and 1,000 s/mm(2). Differences between groups and lesion types were statistically compared with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The ADCs were significantly different (P = .0001) among the 3 groups, between group 1 (1.52 +/- 0.29 [SD] x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) and group 2 (1.01 +/- 0.31 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s), and between group 1 and group 3 (1.11 +/- 0.29 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s). There was no statistically significant difference (P = .31) in ADCs between group 2 and group 3. In addition, there were significant differences between osteosarcomas (1.40 +/- 0.28 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) and inflammatory diseases (P = .038) and between osteosarcomas and carcinomas (1.11 +/- 0.26 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s; P = .035). CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging may be valuable in differentiating between benign solid lesions and malignant tumors in the masticator space. Inflammatory lesions cannot, however, be separated from most malignant tumors, except for osteosarcomas.

Dor miofascial ou síndrome de Eagle? A importância do diagnóstico diferencial / Myofascial pain or Eagle´s syndrome? The importance of the differential diagnosis

A síndrome do processo estiloide alongado ou síndrome de Eagle e a dor miofascial fazem parte das disfunções craniomandibulares. Vários relatos de casos clínicos encontrados na literatura enfatizam as anormalidades do complexo estiloideo associadas a vários sintomas, como dor muscular, tender points, trigger points, que confundem o diagnóstico ou associam esses sintomas a outras enfermidades. Nesse sentido, é importante a obtenção de um diagnóstico preciso, em virtude de sintomatologia confundente. Este artigo relata um caso de dor miofascial no qual a paciente se apresentava com dor em região de cabeça e pescoço com o processo estiloide alongado em torno de 78 mm (observado em radiografia panorâmica). O diagnóstico final foi obtido por meio de exame clínico investigatório associado a imagens.

A comparison of cephalometric analysis using radiographs and craniofacial computed tomography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: preliminary report.

The aim of this study was to describe the similarities and differences as well as the convenience in using of cephalometric radiographs and craniofacial computed tomography in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients and to demonstrate the relationship between the severity of sleep-disordered breathing and severity of cephalometric abnormalities. A total of 28 randomly selected patients with snoring, and varying degrees of sleep-disordered breathing were included in this study. A control group included 22 patients. These patients had no snoring or clinical evidence of sleep-disordered breathing as evaluated by polysomnographic test. No patients had prior pharyngeal or maxillomandibular surgery. All patients were evaluated by otolaryngological examination and had polysomnography, cephalometric radiographs and craniofacial CT scans. In study group the evaluation between cephalometric analysis on radiographs and CT scans was made. The comparison between the control and the study group was also assessed as far as cephalometric data are concerned. The cephalometric parameters revealed major differences between controls and patients with OSAS regarding the size and position of soft palate and uvula, volume and position of tongue, hyoid position, mandibulo-maxillary protrusion and size of the pharyngeal airway space. OSAS is associated with statistically significant changes in cephalometric measurements. Lateral cephalometric analysis and craniofacial CT scans add further information to the anatomical assessment of patients with OSAS. We found craniofacial CT scan measurements to be easier and more accurate especially when applying to soft tissues. We believe that this method may also be useful for patient classification to surgical procedures.