Dynamic magnetic resonance sialography for patients with xerostomia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the utility of dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) sialographic images as a diagnostic tool for patients with xerostomia as chief complaint. METHODS: Various parameters of dynamic MR sialographic images from 40 healthy volunteers were compared with those from 28 patients having dry mouth as chief complaint. Dynamic MR sialographic images were acquired using a 1.5-T full-body MR system and 2-dimensional fast asymmetric spin-echo (2D-FASE) sequences. Acquisition of the optimal section using 2D-FASE sequencing with single-section acquisition of thick sections was repeated every 30 s before and after a few drops of 5% citric acid was placed on the tongue. Student t test was used to examine differences between the healthy volunteer and patient groups regarding the maximum area of salivary gland ducts before and after citric acid stimulation. RESULTS: The maximum area of the detectable ducts in the patient group was significantly smaller (P < 0.001), whereas the change in detectable duct area was significantly lower (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that dynamic MR sialographic images and data can be useful in the diagnosis of patients with dry mouth as chief complaint.

Assessment of the relationship between the mandibular cortex on panoramic radiographs and the risk of bone fracture and vascular disease in 80-year-olds.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess cortical measurements on panoramic radiographs in 80-year-old subjects to predict bone fracture and vascular disease risks. METHODS: The cortical width and shape (normal cortex, mildly to moderately eroded cortex, and severely eroded cortex) were evaluated on 659 panoramic radiographs obtained from 262 men and 397 women, all of whom were 80 years old. At baseline, a general medical examination, including heel bone density, was performed in all subjects. Fractures and vascular disease occurring within 5 years after the baseline examination were determined in 191 subjects and in 108 subjects who died within 5 years after the baseline examination. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between heel bone density and cortical width (r = 0.435, P < .001) and shape (r = 0.231, P < .001). However, cortical measurements on panoramic radiographs were not significantly associated with the occurrence of fractures and vascular disease within 5 years after the baseline examination. CONCLUSIONS: Among the elderly, cortical measurements on panoramic radiographs may be associated with bone mineral density and physical activity, but they are not useful markers for the subsequent occurrence of fractures and vascular disease.