Incidental findings on craniomaxillofacial cone beam computed tomography in orthodontic patients.

PURPOSE: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontics is increasingly used for detecting impacted or ectopic teeth or for orthognathic and cleft lip and palate treatment. Incidental findings (IFs) are frequently encountered and often relevant. The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of relevant pathologies on CBCT scans of orthodontic patients. METHODS: Over a 6-year period, incidental imaging findings were analyzed in 345 CBCT scans (181 men; 164 women; age 16.3 ± 8.4 years), and subdivided into dental (Group 1), skeletal (Group 2), sinunasal (Group 3), and infrequent other pathologies (Group 4). RESULTS: A total of 502 IFs were detected in 345 patients (1.4 IFs per patient, on average). Most IFs were found in Group 1 (358 IFs; 71.3%), followed by Group 2 (129 IFs; 25.7%), Group 3 (14 IFs; 2.8%), and Group 4 (1 IF; 0.2%). There were 119 (34.5%) patients with a missing wisdom tooth, 94 (27.3%) with dental aplasia, 71 (20.6%) with dislocations, 33 (9.6%) with partial opacifications, and 27 (7.8%) with signs of sinusitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that IFs in orthodontic CBCT scans are frequently encountered, even in younger orthodontic patients. When interpreting CBCT scans, orthodontists should be aware of potential relevant IFs that may require further investigation, change patients' treatment or affect their quality of life.

Sleep-disordered breathing in orthodontic practice: Prevalence of snoring in children and morphological findings.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of snoring and its correlation with cranial and upper airway morphology in young individuals with orthodontic treatment need. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Parents of 379 children were consecutively interviewed, using eight questions from a more comprehensive questionnaire about sleep behavior. A total of 100 patients (54 girls, 46 boys, average age 11.3 years) met the inclusion criteria. Based on the parents' interviews, the sample was divided into snorers (n = 53) and nonsnorers (n = 47). Using cephalograms obtained for initial orthodontic diagnostics, airway morphology was measured based on hyoid position and on the posterior airway space (PAS) dimensions at the maxillary, occlusal, and mandibular plane levels (PAS_NL, PAS_OCCL, PAS_ML). Mann-Whitney U testing, ANOVA, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Snoring was reported by 53 % of parents for 63 % (n = 29) of the boys and 44 % (n = 24) of the girls. Significant morphological differences were noted between snorers and nonsnorers. PAS dimensions were significantly reduced in the snorers compared to the nonsnorers at all three anatomical levels tested, which remained statistically significant when adjusted for age and gender. No differences between the two groups emerged for hyoid position or any of the vertical cranial parameters. A significant correlation between sagittal maxillary position (SNA) and PAS_NL was noted, indicating that larger SNA values were mildly associated with larger sagittal PAS dimensions at the maxillary level. CONCLUSION: This random sample of young patients with orthodontic treatment need was found to involve a high prevalence of parent-reported snoring. Characteristic features in cranial and upper airway morphology and thus differences between the snorers and nonsnorers were found.

Whole-Body Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis in Children.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis/ chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CRMO/ CNO) is a rare auto-inflammatory disease and typically manifests in terms of musculoskeletal pain. Because of a high frequency of musculoskeletal disorders in children/ adolescents, it can be quite challenging to distinguish CRMO/ CNO from nonspecific musculoskeletal pain or from malignancies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the visibility of CRMO lesions in a whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging (WB-DWI) technique and its potential clinical value to better characterize MR-visible lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Whole-body imaging at 3T was performed in 16 patients (average: 13 years) with confirmed CRMO. The protocol included 2D Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) imaging in coronal and axial orientation as well as diffusion-weighted imaging in axial orientation. Visibility of lesions in DWI and STIR was evaluated by two readers in consensus. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was measured for every lesion and corresponding reference locations. RESULTS: A total of 33 lesions (on average 2 per patient) visible in STIR and DWI images (b = 800 s/mm2 and ADC maps) were included, predominantly located in the long bones. With a mean value of 1283 mm2/s in lesions, the ADC was significantly higher than in corresponding reference regions (782 mm2/s). By calculating the ratio (lesion to reference), 82% of all lesions showed a relative signal increase of 10% or higher and 76% (25 lesions) showed a signal increase of more than 15%. The median relative signal increase was 69%. CONCLUSION: This study shows that WB-DWI can be reliably performed in children at 3T and predominantly, the ADC values were substantially elevated in CRMO lesions. WB-DWI in conjunction with clinical data is seen as a promising technique to distinguish benign inflammatory processes (in terms of increased ADC values) from particular malignancies.

Possible pulmonary Rhizopus oryzae infection in a previously healthy child after a near-drowning incident.

This article reports on a previously healthy 17-month-old boy who developed pulmonary mucormycosis after a near-drowning incident in a goose pond. The patient survived without neurological sequelae and recovered, under treatment with amphotericin B, from the rare and often invasive fungal infection with Rhizopus spp., usually occurring in immunodeficient patients.

How early can one diagnose Cushing's disease? An early diagnosis in a case of prepubertal Cushing's disease.

BACKGROUND: Cushing's disease is very rare in children, and the diagnosis is frequently delayed by several years. OBJECTIVE: We report a case of prepubertal Cushing's disease with a medical history of only 9 months. This case illustrates the difficulties involved in diagnosing children at the early stage of the disease. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-year-old prepubertal boy presented with rapid weight gain accompanied by a decreasing growth velocity and hirsutism. Thyroid function tests and growth factor levels were normal, thus excluding hypothyroidism and growth hormone deficiency. Cushing's syndrome was confirmed by elevated 24-h urinary free cortisol levels, increased diurnal cortisol levels, and a lack of cortisol suppression in the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Further tests to investigate the source of the hypercortisolism showed the following results: Basal morning adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was normal. The high-dose dexamethasone suppression test led to a 51% decrease in cortisol level. In the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test, ACTH and cortisol increased only by 28%. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finally revealed a microadenoma in the anterior pituitary, thus establishng the diagnosis of Cushing's disease. Upon diagnosis, the patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Histological analysis confirmed an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the difficulties associated with the clinical, biochemical, and radiological diagnoses of Cushing's disease in children. Early diagnosis remains a challenge because test results often do not match standard diagnostic criteria.

Options in virtual 3D, optical-impression-based planning of dental implants.

If a 3D radiograph, which in today's dentistry often consists of a CBCT dataset, is available for computerized implant planning, the 3D planning should also consider functional prosthetic aspects. In a conventional workflow, the CBCT is done with a specially produced radiopaque prosthetic setup that makes the desired prosthetic situation visible during virtual implant planning. If an exclusively digital workflow is chosen, intraoral digital impressions are taken. On these digital models, the desired prosthetic suprastructures are designed. The entire datasets are virtually superimposed by a "registration" process on the corresponding structures (teeth) in the CBCTs. Thus, both the osseous and prosthetic structures are visible in one single 3D application and make it possible to consider surgical and prosthetic aspects. After having determined the implant positions on the computer screen, a drilling template is designed digitally. According to this design (CAD), a template is printed or milled in CAM process. This template is the first physically extant product in the entire workflow. The article discusses the options and limitations of this workflow.

Accuracy of chairside-milled CAD/CAM drill guides for dental implants.

PURPOSE: To describe a chairside method for producing implant guides based solely on digital data and present a first assessment of in vitro accuracy on plaster models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four implants were planned and pilot drillings were performed according to a new protocol, which is based on the registration of CBCT and CAD/CAM data. Chairside-milled one-piece drill guides were used to transfer the virtual plan into reality. Accuracy measurements were acquired. RESULTS: Chairside-milled drill guides were successfully fabricated and accuracy for pilot drillings was between 0.17 and 1.3 mm. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this experimental study, chairside-milled drill guides are feasible and do not require any preparation before CBCT scanning.

Cerec meets Galileos--integrated implantology for completely virtual implant planning.

The greatest key to successful implant therapy is proper placement of the implant in the jaw bone. The key to proper placement is careful preoperative planning. When planning implant treatment, it is important to take the relevant anatomical features and their later prosthetic consequences into account. This is done using a radiographic template of the planned restoration, which until now had to be made by a dental technician. The radiographic template must be inserted in the patient's mouth during radiographic imaging so that the dentist can visualize the prosthetic plan. Implant planning is thus performed according to the backward planning principle. In the novel, fully digital approach to dental implant planning presented here, the prosthetic proposal is designed using computer-aided design software and integrated into a three-dimensional radiograph. This article explains how the technology works and reviews the available data. In addition, the clinical workflows for the SiCAT Optiguide and Sirona Cerec Guide virtual implant planning methods will be described and compared with conventional implant planning methods. Finally, the indications and countraindications for the two methods will be discussed.

A paradigm shift in orthognathic surgery? A comparison of navigation, computer-aided designed/computer-aided manufactured splints, and "classic" intermaxillary splints to surgical transfer of virtual orthognathic planning.

PURPOSE: Advances in computers and imaging have permitted the adoption of 3-dimensional (3D) virtual planning protocols in orthognathic surgery, which may allow a paradigm shift when the virtual planning can be transferred properly. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the versatility and precision of innovative computer-aided designed and computer-aided manufactured (CAD/CAM) surgical splints, intraoperative navigation, and "classic" intermaxillary occlusal splints for surgical transfer of virtual orthognathic planning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The protocols consisted of maxillofacial imaging, diagnosis, virtual orthognathic planning, and surgical planning transfer using newly designed CAD/CAM splints (approach A), navigation (approach B), and intermaxillary occlusal splints (approach C). In this prospective observational study, all patients underwent bimaxillary osteotomy. Eight patients were treated using approach A, 10 using approach B, and 12 using approach C. These techniques were evaluated by applying 13 hard and 7 soft tissue parameters to compare the virtual orthognathic planning (T0) with the postoperative result (T1) using 3D cephalometry and image fusion (ΔT1 vs T0). RESULTS: The highest precision (ΔT1 vs T0) for the maxillary planning transfer was observed with CAD/CAM splints (<0.23 mm; P > .05) followed by surgical "waferless" navigation (<0.61 mm, P < .05) and classic intermaxillary occlusal splints (<1.1 mm; P < .05). Only the innovative CAD/CAM splints kept the condyles in their central position in the temporomandibular joint. However, no technique enables a precise prediction of the mandible and soft tissue. CONCLUSIONS: CAD/CAM splints and surgical navigation provide a reliable, innovative, and precise approach for the transfer of virtual orthognathic planning. These computer-assisted techniques may offer an alternate approach to the use of classic intermaxillary occlusal splints.

Comparison of different autografts for aural cartilage in aesthetic rhinoplasty: is the tragal cartilage graft a viable alternative?

Auricular cartilage is an important source of grafts for various reconstructive procedures such as aesthetic rhinoplasty. The purpose of this investigation was to compare tragal cartilage with auricular cartilage harvested from the concha and scapha, and describe its clinical viability, indications, and morbidity in rhinoplasty. A total of 150 augmentation rhinoplasties with a total of 170 grafts were included. The donor sites were tragus (n=136), concha (n=26), and scapha (n=8). The time needed to harvest the grafts, the donor site morbidity, and the indications for operation were recorded. The anthropometric changes to 4 auricular variables after the cartilage had been harvested were analysed and compared with those on the opposite side in 48 patients using Student's paired t-test. Intraobserver reliability was assessed using Pearson's intraclass correlation. The mean (SD) harvesting time was 27 (8) min for the concha, 4.5 (1.4) min for the tragus, and 5.7 (1.6) min for the scapha. The largest graft was taken from the concha (28×19 mm), followed by the tragus (20×12 mm), and the scapha (18×6 mm). The grafts were placed at the following sites: tip grafts (n=123), columella struts (n=80), shield (n=20), rim (n=17), and dorsal onlay (n=15). Harvesting tragal cartilage is safe, simple, fast, and has a low morbidity, but it can affect the patient's ability to wear earphones. Tragal cartilage is a good alternative for nasal reconstruction if a graft of no longer than 20 mm is required.

PET/MR in children. Initial clinical experience in paediatric oncology using an integrated PET/MR scanner.

Use of PET/MR in children has not previously been reported, to the best of our knowledge. Children with systemic malignancies may benefit from the reduced radiation exposure offered by PET/MR. We report our initial experience with PET/MR hybrid imaging and our current established sequence protocol after 21 PET/MR studies in 15 children with multifocal malignant diseases. The effective dose of a PET/MR scan was only about 20% that of the equivalent PET/CT examination. Simultaneous acquisition of PET and MR data combines the advantages of the two previously separate modalities. Furthermore, the technique also enables whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and statements to be made about the biological cellularity and nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio of tumours. Combined PET/MR saves time and resources. One disadvantage of PET/MR is that in order to have an effect, a significantly longer examination time is needed than with PET/CT. In our initial experience, PET/MR has turned out to be an unexpectedly stable and reliable hybrid imaging modality, which generates a complementary diagnostic study of great additional value.

Evaluation of the course of the inferior alveolar nerve in the mental foramen by cone beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: Implant placement in the edentulous anterior mandible is frequently performed to stabilize prosthetic superstructures. The position of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), especially in an atrophic mandible, has to be considered to position implants properly. In this study, the prevalence of looping of the IAN was retrospectively determined to assess the need for imaging prior to implant placement in the anterior mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography scans of consecutive patients were evaluated to assess the prevalence and size of IAN looping. The results were compared with respect to patient age and sex as well as degree of atrophy and bone height at the mental foramen. RESULTS: Scans of 1,010 patients were obtained. IAN loops were found in 31% of the patients, with a significantly higher prevalence in male patients (33.1%) than in female patients (28.1%). The average size of loops was 1.4 ± 0.70 mm, with a maximum of 4.6 mm. For male patients, the average loop size was 1.6 ± 0.74 mm (maximum 4.6 mm), and for female patients an average dimension of 1.4 ± 0.63 mm (maximum 4.4 mm) was recorded. This difference was significant (t test). A significant difference with respect to the various classes of atrophy up to class 4 was not found. CONCLUSION: Loops of the IAN occur in about one third of patients and vary in size from 0.7 to 4.6 mm. Large anterior loops put the IAN at risk when interforaminal implants are placed. Either a sufficient safety distance or three-dimensional imaging procedures should be used to detect loops and locate the incisive canal, which could be harmed during the interforaminal implant placement.

Accuracy of a newly developed open-source system for dental implant planning.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of a newly developed open-source system for three-dimensional dental implant planning and fully guided dental implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight implant positions were planned for eight partially edentulous anatomical patient equivalent models with an open-source implant planning system on the basis of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The virtual software planning leads to an output of four different coordinates for each implant position; with these, surgical guides were manufactured using a coordinate-transfer apparatus. During the surgical simulation, drills and implants were fully guided as they were inserted by means of the harmonized components of the vendor's sleeve-in-sleeve system. After follow-up CBCT investigation and reference marker-based software registration, linear horizontal, vertical, and maximal 3D deviations, as well as angular deviations, between the virtual planning data and the surgical results were calculated. RESULTS: The mean three-dimensional deviation values for the final implant positions were 671 µm (95% confidence interval [CI] 452 to 891 µm) at the implant base and 808 µm (95% CI 646 to 971 µm) at the implant tip. Mean vertical deviations were 273 µm (95% CI 200 to 345 µm). Mean angular deviations of 1.9 degrees (95% CI 1.4 to 2.4 degrees) were measured. CONCLUSIONS: The open-source implant planning system described in this study demonstrated a level of accuracy that is equal or superior to most descriptions of the literature on computer-aided implant dentistry, allows for predictable implant positioning, and has the potential to reduce postoperative impairment versus conventional implant insertion.

Biocompatibility and biodegradation of a native porcine pericardium membrane: results of in vitro and in vivo examinations.

PURPOSE: The principle of guided tissue and bone regeneration has long been established for treating bone and periodontal defects. In addition to nonabsorbable barriers, various collagens have become accepted as membrane materials for separating the graft from soft tissue. However, collagen membranes differ significantly in their barrier function and biocompatibility. The objective of this pilot study was to examine, in vitro and in vivo, a novel native collagen membrane extracted from porcine pericardium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The morphologic structure of two different native collagen membranes (Remotis, Thommen Medical; Bio-Gide, Geistlich Biomaterials) was examined using a scanning electron microscope. For biocompatibility testing, membranes were incubated with SaOs-2 osteoblastlike cells. After 2 hours, 3 days, and 7 days, proliferation of the cells on the membranes was determined. Evaluation of the biodegradation pattern was performed in a dog model with simultaneous bone augmentation with Bio-Oss (Geistlich Biomaterials) or Cerabone (Botiss Biomaterials) in the lateral anterior maxilla in eight animals with histologic examination after 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. RESULTS: An interconnective pore system was identifiable for Remotis, while Bio-Gide displayed a more fibrous structure. In vitro, Remotis showed considerable cell proliferation, which was significantly superior to that observed with Bio-Gide, especially after 7 days (2,910 ± 1,273 and 707 ± 706, respectively). In vivo, both membranes integrated into the surrounding tissue without any inflammatory reaction. Both membranes allowed early vascularization. However, considerable biodegradation was noted within 4 to 8 weeks with Bio-Gide, while Remotis resorbed generally within the first 8 to 12 week. Both membranes supported underlying bone formation. CONCLUSION: Both examined membranes indicate a high level of biocompatibility. Both are resorbed without inflammation within 8 weeks (Bio-Gide) or 12 weeks (Remotis). The compact interconnective pericardium collagen of Remotis may have stabilized the resorption process.

Accuracy of cone beam computed tomography in assessing peri-implant bone defect regeneration: a histologically controlled study in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in terms of buccal bone-wall configuration and peri-implant bone defect regeneration after guided bone regeneration (GBR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Titanium implants were inserted into standardized box-shaped defects in the mandible of 12 foxhounds. Defects of one side were augmented following the principle of GBR, while the other side was left untreated. Radiological evaluation was performed using CBCT and compared with histomorphometrical measurements of the respective site serving as a validation method. RESULTS: Non-augmented control sites providing a horizontal bone width (BW) of<0.5 mm revealed a significantly lower accuracy between the radiological and the histological evaluation of the buccal defect depth (1.93 ± 1.59 mm) compared with the group providing a BW of >0.5 mm (0.7 ± 0.7 mm) (P<0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). In GBR-treated defects, the subgroup <0.5 mm (1.49 ± 1.29 mm) revealed a significantly higher difference between CBCT and histology compared with >0.5 mm (0.82 ± 1.07) (P>0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). However, a radiological discrimination between original bone, integrated and non-integrated bone substitute material was not reliable. Additionally, it was found that a minimum buccal BW of 0.5 mm was necessary for the detection of bone in radiology. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of peri-implant bone defect regeneration by means of CBCT is not accurate for sites providing a BW of <0.5 mm. Moreover, a safe assessment of the success of the GBR technique is not possible after the application of a radiopaque bone substitute material.

A comparison of multislice computerized tomography, cone-beam computerized tomography, and single photon emission computerized tomography for the assessment of bone invasion by oral malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) with multislice CT (MSCT) and single photon emission CT (SPECT) in the detection of bone invasion from oral malignancies. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective investigation, 77 patients with histologically proven malignancy of the oral cavity received MSCT, CBCT, and SPECT imaging of the head presurgically. Radiologic evaluations were compared with histopathologic examinations of the resected tumor specimens. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis as well as the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for MSCT were 0.8, 1.0, 1.0, and 0.75, respectively; for CBCT 0.92, 0.965, 0.98, and 0.875; and for SPECT 0.91, 0.4, 0.7, and 0.75. ROC analysis showed area under the curve values of 0.894 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.806-0.982) for MSCT; 0.931 (95% CI 0.835-1.000) for CBCT, and 0.716 (95% CI 0.566-0.866) for SPECT. CONCLUSION: CBCT is accurate in predicting malignancies' bone involvement and can compete with MSCT and SPECT in detecting bone invasion in patients with oral malignancies.

Prevalence of pathologic findings in the maxillary sinus in cone-beam computerized tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of pathologic findings in the maxillary sinus by using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT). STUDY DESIGN: One thousand twenty-nine consecutive CBCT scans were retrospectively inspected for pathologic findings in the maxillary sinus by 3 observers. Findings were differentiated by mucosal thickening, partial opacification with liquid accumulation, total opacification, and polypoidal mucosal thickening. Position and diameter of the maxillary sinus ostium were assessed. Correlations for pathologic findings and the factors of age and gender were calculated. Patients with clinical manifestations of sinusitis or total opacification in either sinus were reevaluated. RESULTS: A total prevalence for pathologies in the maxillary sinus of 56.3% was found in this study. The most frequent pathology was mucosal thickening. Patients >60 years of age showed significantly more pathologies in the maxillary sinus (P = .02), and male patients showed significantly more pathologies than female patients (P = .01). Clinical signs of sinusitis could be confirmed on CBCT images for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pathologies in the maxillary sinus are frequently found in CBCT imaging and have to be treated or followed-up accordingly. CBCT is applicable for diagnosis and treatment planning of clinically present sinusitis.

Salivary calculus diagnosis with 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate cone-beam CT (CBCT) diagnoses of sialoliths in the major salivary glands. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-nine CBCT images containing salivary calculi were retrospectively evaluated for image quality and artifact influence. Additionally, the reproducibility of calculus measurement and the differences between CBCT measurements and ultrasonography (US) and histomorphometry (HM) measurements were determined. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity calculations were based on the observations of 3 masked clinicians, who reviewed a total of 58 CBCT volumes. RESULTS: Salivary calculi were sufficiently visualized in all patients. Metal artifacts were detected in images of 7 patients, and movement artifacts in 2. CBCT calculi measurements were highly reproducible, with mean differences of less than 350 microm. Mean CBCT measurements of calculi diameters differed from mean US measurements by approximately 500 microm and differed from mean HM measurements by approximately 1 mm. For calculus diagnoses, the mean sensitivity and specificity were both 98.85%. CONCLUSION: Although poor image qualities and artifacts can reduce diagnostic information, salivary calculi can be evaluated adequately with CBCT. CBCT measurements of calculi are highly reproducible and differ little from measurements made with US and HM. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity levels with CBCT are as high as or higher than those obtained with other diagnostic methods. Because of its high diagnostic-information-to-radiation-dose ratio, CBCT is the preferable imaging modality for salivary calculus diagnosis.

Impact of podoplanin expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma: clinical and histopathologic correlations.

Cervical lymph node metastases reduce the overall survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and require a neck dissection. However, elective management of a clinical N0 neck remains a controversial topic, as there are no reliable factors available predicting cervical lymph node metastases. Recent studies suggest an impact of podoplanin expression on metastatic spread to the cervical lymph nodes. Our aim was to investigate the influence of podoplanin expression on prognosis and metastatic lymphatic spread. In our retrospective study, podoplanin expression was examined in a set of 80 patients with OSCC by immunohistochemistry. We analysed associations between the level of podoplanin expression and various clinicopathologic parameters. In 67 patients (84%), podoplanin was expressed on the tumour cells. Nineteen patients (24%) showed high levels of expression. The 5-year overall survival (31%) for patients with high levels of podoplanin expression was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than for patients with low and moderate expression of podoplanin (93% and 65%, respectively). There was an association between podoplanin expression and the frequency of cervical lymph node metastases. Cervical lymph node metastases were found in 79% of the patients with high podoplanin expression, while patients with weak podoplanin expression had metastases in only 22% (p < 0.001). None of the 13 patients without podoplanin expression had cervical lymph node metastases. We concluded that podoplanin is expressed frequently in OSCC and that podoplanin expression correlates with cervical lymph node metastases and clinical outcome.