Periodontitis and cardiovascular disease.

Periodontal medicine has been studied and reviewed extensively since its introduction to the dental fraternity. The association of periodontal disease with and its effects on the cardiovascular system are amongst the many topics explored. A summary of the research into these associations and the possible mechanisms of any relationship is presented. Although a link between these two chronic inflammatory diseases is evident, the very heterogeneity of the relevant studies has not provided evidence sufficient to support an actual causal relationship. More stringent epidemiologic and intervention studies are required.

Crouzonodermoskeletal syndrome.

Crouzon craniostenosis [MIM 123500], is identified on the basis of the additional phenotypical manifestations of acanthosis nigricans, vertebral changes and cementomas of the jaws. Choanal atresia and hydrocephalus are other features. The molecular defect in CDSS is a point mutation in the FGFR3 gene on chromosome 4p, whereas, the mutation in the Crouzon syndrome is in the FGFR2 gene at 10q25.3-26. An affected girl aged 2 years presented at the UWC dental genetics unit with a prior diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome. Choanal atresia had necessitated a permanent tracheostomy, and hydrocephalus was managed by a shunt operation. Clinical examination revealed acanthosis nigricans in the axilliary regions, a diagnosis confirmed by a biopsy of the lesion. Eruption of the primary dentition was delayed with only six out of twenty teeth present. Radiographic examination conducted shortly after birth revealed the presence of several tooth buds in both the maxillae and the mandible. The delayed eruption of the teeth will be of significance in future orthodontic and maxillofacial measures for the improvement of the patient's facial Crouzonodermoskeletal syndrome (CDSS) was separated from the classical appearance. Molecular investigations in the girl and her parents are underway. If the specific mutation in FGFR3 is observed, a positive diagnosis of CDSS will be confirmed and the status of her parents and other family members will be determined. On this basis, appropriate genetic management can be offered to the kindred.