Quantitative Analysis of CCL5 and ep300 in Periapical Inflammatory Lesions.

OBJECTIVES: In silico bioinformatical analysis suggested that the expression of two genes, CCL5 (C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 5) and ep300 (Histone acetyltransferase p300), could be used as potential new biomarkers in differentiation between periapical granulomas and radicular cysts. Thus, we hypothesized that gene expression of CCL5 and ep300 in periapical lesions would classify the lesions as either granuloma or cyst. MATERIALS: Patient samples (n=122) included 46 periapical granulomas, 38 radicular cysts and 38 healthy gingival samples as controls. Real-time PCR analysis of CCL5 and ep300 transcripts was compared to SDHA (Succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A) as the reference. Clinical parameters (e.g., intensity of inflammation and lesion size) were measured and correlated with CCL5 and ep300 expression. ROC (Receiver operating characteristic) and logistic regression analyses were used to establish the diagnostic character of ΔCt values. RESULTS: Granulomas and radicular cysts had significantly higher expression of CCL5 and ep300 compared to controls (P<0.05). However, no differences were observed when comparing granulomas and radicular cysts. ROC analyses showed that CCL5 and ep300 have good diagnostic accuracy, but low accuracy for distinguishing between the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that expression of CCL5 and ep300 is relevant for the pathogenesis of periapical inflammatory lesions but cannot be used as a distinctive marker between these lesions.

Retrospective analysis of nonendodontic periapical lesions misdiagnosed as endodontic apical periodontitis lesions in a population of Taiwanese patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate nonendodontic periapical lesions clinically misdiagnosed as endodontic periapical pathoses in a population of Taiwanese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases (2000-2014) of histopathological diagnoses of nonendodontic periapical lesions were retrieved from all cases with a clinical diagnosis of radicular cyst, apical granuloma, or apical periodontitis in the institution. These cases were regarded as misdiagnosed nonendodontic periapical lesions, of which the types and frequencies, in addition to the demographic data, were determined. RESULTS: Four thousand and four specimens were clinically diagnosed as endodontically associated pathoses, of which 118 cases (2.95%) received a histopathological diagnosis of a nonendodontic pathologic entity, the most frequent lesion being keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT, n = 38, 32.20%), followed by fibro-osseous lesion (n = 18, 15.25%), and dentigerous cyst (n = 13, 11.02%). Nine malignant lesions in the periapical area [squamous cell carcinoma (n = 7, 5.93%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 1, 0.85%), and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (n = 1, 0.85%)] were also noted. CONCLUSIONS: A wide variety of histopathological diagnoses, including benign odontogenic and non-odontogenic cystic and tumorous lesions and infectious diseases, as well as malignant lesions, was noted in these 118 cases of nonendodontic periapical lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most predominant malignancy of nonendodontic periapical lesions misdiagnosed as apical periodontitis lesions from imaging examination overlooking the clinical findings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The current data form a useful basis for clinicopathological investigation and educational teaching regarding nonendodontic periapical lesions misdiagnosed as endodontic apical periodontitis lesions.

Correlação clínica e histopatológica de cistos e granulomas periapicais / A Clinical and Histopathological Correlation of Periapical Cysts and Granulomas

Cistos e granulomas periapicais estão entre as lesões radiolúcidas mais prevalentes. Porém, há situações em que os padrões clínicos e radiográficos se misturam e, portanto, o estudo histopatológico faz-se necessário para o diagnóstico definitivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a correlação clínica e histopatológica no diagnóstico de cistos e granulomas periapicais. Para isso, foram selecionadas amostras obtidas no Laboratório de Patologia Cirúrgica da Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco, FOP/UPE, no período de 11/2005 a 05/2008. Um total de 37 lesões, distribuídas entre cistos e granulomas periapicais, foram incluídas no estudo. Baseadas nos aspectos clínico-radiográfico e transoperatório, cirurgiões-dentistas forneceram hipóteses diagnósticas, as quais foram comparadas aos exames histopatológicos. Achados clínicos revelaram 28 casos (75,7%) de cistos, 4 casos (10,8%) de granulomas, 4 casos (10,8%) com características de ambas lesões, e 1 caso (2,7%) no qual o dentista não forneceu o diagnóstico. Entretanto, os achados histopatológicos revelaram 21 (56,8%) e 16 (43,2%) casos de cistos e granulomas, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram uma correlação de 45,9% entre os achados para os cistos e de 8,1% para os granulomas. Diante do exposto, a discrepância observada dos achados clínicos quando comparados aos histopatológicos deve ser discutida quanto aos critérios diagnósticos que vêm sendo utilizados atualmente... (AU)

Cysts and periapical granulomas are among the most prevalent radiolucent lesions. However, there are situations where the clinical and radiographic patterns are mixed and therefore the histopathological study is necessary for definitive diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histopathological correlation in the diagnosis of periapical cysts and granulomas. For this, samples were selected obtained from histopathological reports of Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry of Pernambuco, FOP / UPE, during the period from 11/2005 to 05/2008. A total of 37 lesions distributed among periapical cysts and granulomas, were included in the study. Based on clinical, radiographic and intraoperative lesions, dentists provided diagnostic hypotheses, which were compared to histopathological diagnostic. Clinical findings revealed 28 cases (75.7%) of radicular cysts, 4 cases (10.8%) of granulomas alone, 4 cases (10.8%) with characteristics of both lesions, and 1 case (2.7 %) in which the dentist has not provided the diagnosis. However, the histopathological findings revealed 21 (56.8%) and 16 (43.2%) cysts and granulomas images, respectively. The results showed a 45.9% correlation between the findings for periapical cysts and 8.1% for periapical granulomas. Given the above, the discrepancy observed clinical findings compared to histopathology should be discussed as to the diagnostic criteria that have been used nowadays... (AU)

The root of the problem: Occurrence of typical and atypical periapical pathoses.

BACKGROUND: A preponderance of periapical radiolucencies are of inflammatory etiology (radicular cysts or periapical granulomas) secondary to pulpal disease. In some instances, however, a suspected periapical inflammatory lesion is not a consequence of pulpal disease but instead represents a lesion of noninflammatory origin. The differential diagnosis for such lesions is broad, ranging from odontogenic cysts and tumors to metastatic disease. As the biological behavior of such lesions is varied, the distinction between inflammatory odontogenic periapical lesions and lesions of noninflammatory origin in a periapical location is critical. METHODS: A retrospective study of 5,993 archival periapical biopsies over a span of 15 years from the database of the Oral Pathology Biopsy Service in the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University recorded the incidence of various lesions in a periapical location. RESULTS: Of the cases studied, 97.2% represented lesions of inflammatory origin with histopathologic diagnoses as follows: periapical granuloma (60.0%), radicular cyst (36.7%), periapical fibrous scar (0.27 %), and periapical abscess (0.23 %). The remaining 2.8% cases were lesions of noninflammatory origin with histopathologic diagnoses of odontogenic keratocyst (also known as keratocystic odontogenic tumor), benign fibro-osseous lesions, and ameloblastoma. One patient had Langerhans cell disease, and 1 had central giant cell granuloma. CONCLUSIONS: Although most periapical specimens biopsied represented expected inflammatory periapical lesions, the biological behavior of underdiagnosed lesions may have considerable consequences for both the patient and the clinician. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This article serves to inform clinicians regarding the diversity of lesions arising in the periapical region of the jaws, to assist in the formulation of differential diagnoses, and to highlight the importance of submission of lesional tissue for histopathologic evaluation and definitive diagnosis when biopsy is clinically indicated.

Kaleidoscope of oral artifacts: A vivid picture through light and polarizing microscope.

BACKGROUND: This study is based on finding of an inexplicable artifact that was seen in the tissue received as periapical granuloma. AIM: To observe the histological appearance of different commonly implanted food particles and easily incorporated substances from a laboratory in the oral biopsy tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various food particles such as wheat chapatti, beans, peas, pulses, and coriander leaves and substances such as a suture, cotton, and paper that can easily gain entry during biopsy and histotechnical procedures were intentionally introduced in the tissue specimens of a uterus from outside. Both light and polarizing microscopes were utilized to view them. RESULTS: Different food particles and substances gave different appearances that could lead to misdiagnosis. Some of these also exhibited positive birefringence under the polarizing microscope. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and familiarity with probable foreign substances which can appear in tissues may help prevent misdiagnosis or erroneous diagnosis of biopsy specimens.

Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 Immunoexpression in Periapical Lesions from Primary Endodontic Infection: Possible Relationship with the Histopathological Diagnosis and the Presence of Pain.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible associations among the histopathological diagnosis, the inflammatory infiltrate profile, the presence of pain, and the immunoexpression of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in periapical lesions from primary endodontic infection. METHODS: Fifty-one primary periapical lesions obtained from extracted teeth were selected for this study. Patients were previously evaluated for the presence of pain and sinus tract related to the tooth to be extracted. Tissues were processed for microscopic examination and MMP-2 and MMP-9 immunoexpression. Microscopically, samples were classified as periapical granulomas or periapical cysts and the inflammatory infiltrate as chronic or mixed. The percentage of immunopositive cells for MMP-2 and MMP-9 of each case was performed based on 10 consecutive microscopic fields. The Student t or chi-square tests were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the total, 28 cases were classified as periapical granulomas (54.90%) and 23 cases as periapical cysts (45.10%). Seventeen patients (33.33%) reported pain associated with the extracted tooth, with 12 cases of periapical granulomas (70.58%) and 5 cases of periapical cysts (29.42%). All cases showed immunopositivity for MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a high percentage of cells, mainly in the cytoplasm of the leukocytes. MMP-2 was expressed more in periapical granulomas than periapical cysts (P < .05) and in symptomatic cases (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, we may conclude that MMP-2 and MMP-9 are highly expressed in periapical lesions from a primary endodontic infection. Moreover, we may suggest MMP-2 is expressed more in periapical granuloma and in cases associated with pain.

[Mandibular osteitis on a periapical granuloma mimicking an osteosarcoma: a case report]. / Ostéite mandibulaire sur un granulome péri-apical faisant évoquer un ostéosarcome. A propos d'un cas Clinique.

Introduction: Osteitis is an inflammatory disease of bone tissue. Its clinical presentation varies according to the site, presence or absence of pus, duration and etiology. It represents one of the endo-periodontal diseases complication. We report the case of a mandibular osteitis having led to confusion with an ostesarcoma. Observation: A 13-year-old boy was referred to our department for a right low swelling with suspicion of mandible osteosarcoma. The lesion's evolution was 6 weeks. With the local aggressiveness and the speed evolution, the first diagnosis proposed was a mandibular osteosarcoma. Based on the clinical and radiological data established, the diagnosis of mandibular osteitis on a periapical granuloma was made and the treatment consisted on the causal tooth extraction with curettage of the periapical lesion associated to the prescription of macrolide (ERY®). The clinical follow-up was 6 weeks, a recovery with cessation of clinical signs were noticed. Discussion: The differential diagnosis facing the clinical context is an osteitis on a periapical inflammatory cyst and especially mandibular osteosarcoma. For the therapy, it's a 3 components treatment (etiology, medical and surgical) to obtain a recovery.

Noninvasive differential diagnosis of dental periapical lesions in cone-beam CT scans.

PURPOSE: This paper proposes a novel application of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) to an everyday clinical dental challenge: the noninvasive differential diagnosis of periapical lesions between periapical cysts and granulomas. A histological biopsy is the most reliable method currently available for this differential diagnosis; however, this invasive procedure prevents the lesions from healing noninvasively despite a report that they may heal without surgical treatment. A CAD using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers an alternative noninvasive diagnostic tool which helps to avoid potentially unnecessary surgery and to investigate the unknown healing process and rate for the lesions. METHODS: The proposed semiautomatic solution combines graph-based random walks segmentation with machine learning-based boosted classifiers and offers a robust clinical tool with minimal user interaction. As part of this CAD framework, the authors provide two novel technical contributions: (1) probabilistic extension of the random walks segmentation with likelihood ratio test and (2) LDA-AdaBoost: a new integration of weighted linear discriminant analysis to AdaBoost. RESULTS: A dataset of 28 CBCT scans is used to validate the approach and compare it with other popular segmentation and classification methods. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed method with 94.1% correct classification rate and an improvement of the performance by comparison with the Simon's state-of-the-art method by 17.6%. The authors also compare classification performances with two independent ground-truth sets from the histopathology and CBCT diagnoses provided by endodontic experts. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental results of the authors show that the proposed CAD system behaves in clearer agreement with the CBCT ground-truth than with histopathology, supporting the Simon's conjecture that CBCT diagnosis can be as accurate as histopathology for differentiating the periapical lesions.

Extranodal large B cell lymphoma of the anterior maxilla. Case report and review of literature.

In the oral cavity, lymphoproliferative disorders can manifest in various ways, often as an extranodal externalization. In the case presented here, it was a B cell lymphoma originating in the periapical bone of the anterior maxilla. X-ray revealed a periapical radiolucency associated with an intact tooth with no decay, fillings or history of trauma. The tooth tested non-vital. After root canal treatment, an apicoectomy was performed with a biopsy. The most common diagnosis would be of dental etiology. The pathology report revealed a non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma. Most often, this disease appears as localized dental or oral pathology. Non-specific signs and symptoms present in association with lymphoproliferative disorders include lymphadenopathy, trismus, pain, swelling, sinusitis, fever, sepsis, prosthetic instability and paresthesia. Early detection results in decreased morbidity and a better prognosis for the patient.

Lesiones periapicales: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Periapical lesions. Diagnosis and treatment

Las lesiones periapicales resultado de la necrosis de la pulpa dental son las patologías que más frecuentemente ocurren encontradas en el hueso alveolar. El tratamiento consiste en la eliminación de los agentes infecciosos mediante el tratamiento del canal radicular, permitiendo la cicatrización de la lesión

Periapical lesions, which are a result of the necrosis of the dental pulp, are the most frequently occurring diseases found in the alveolar bone. The treatment involves the removal of infectious agents by treating the root canal, allowing the wound healing

Multiple Radiolucencies of the Jaws in a 6 Year Old.

Radiolucencies of the jaws are a common finding. Mostly, they are isolated findings associated with inflammatory processes and consistent with inflammatory periapical disease, such as periapical cysts and periapical granulomas. If associated with the crowns of unerupted teeth, they may represent dentigerous cysts. However, occasionally, larger lytic/radiolucent lesions are identified; even more infrequently, these radiographic findings may be multiple and concurrent. The purpose of this report is to present the case of a 6-year-old female patient with no known concomitant syndrome who presented with multiple intraoral swellings and to discuss the treatment of multiple, bilateral mandibular and maxillary radiolucencies.

[Oral pulse granuloma of the mandible- a case report]. / Orales Hülsenfruchtgranulom des Unterkiefers.

The oral pulse granuloma represents a rare form of oral foreign body granulomas and results from encapsulation of particles of vegetable nutrition. Histologically, the oral pulse granuloma consists of multinucleated foreign body type giant cells, hyaline rings and chronic inflammation tissue. Intraosseous granulomas can be distinguished from extraosseous granulo- mas. Intraosseous granulomas are often asymptomatic, whereas the extraosseous type may be clinically apparent as an indolent swelling of the mucosa. Therapy consists of curettage or surgical excision. We report on the clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics of an oral pulse granuloma in the mandible associated with an erupting tooth 46 of a seven-year-old boy, and the surgical management and follow-up.

Identificación y frecuencia de cuerpos hialinos de Russell en granulomas periapicales de origen endodóntico / Identification and frequency of Russell bodies in periapical granulomas of endodontic origin

Objetivo: identificar la presencia y las características de los cuerpos hialinos de Russell en granulomas periapicales de origen endodóntico. Materiales y métodos: se estudiaron 32 lesiones periapicales pertenecientes a restos radiculares humanos extraídos que fueron procesados para su estudio histológico y coloreados con verde de metilo-pironina, hematoxilina-safranina o con hematoxilina-eosina. De las 32 muestras, 30 fueron diagnosticadas histológicamente como granulomas periapicales, mientras que 2 fueron identificadas como quistes y descartadas del estudio. Resultados: los cuerpos hialinos de Russell fueron observados en 27 (90 por ciento) especímenes. Estas estructuras fueron detectadas dentro del citoplasma de plasmocitos, o bien distribuidas en el estroma del tejido circundante.

Identificación y frecuencia de cuerpos hialinos de Russell en granulomas periapicales de origen endodóntico / Identification and frequency of Russell bodies in periapical granulomas of endodontic origin

Objetivo: identificar la presencia y las características de los cuerpos hialinos de Russell en granulomas periapicales de origen endodóntico. Materiales y métodos: se estudiaron 32 lesiones periapicales pertenecientes a restos radiculares humanos extraídos que fueron procesados para su estudio histológico y coloreados con verde de metilo-pironina, hematoxilina-safranina o con hematoxilina-eosina. De las 32 muestras, 30 fueron diagnosticadas histológicamente como granulomas periapicales, mientras que 2 fueron identificadas como quistes y descartadas del estudio. Resultados: los cuerpos hialinos de Russell fueron observados en 27 (90 por ciento) especímenes. Estas estructuras fueron detectadas dentro del citoplasma de plasmocitos, o bien distribuidas en el estroma del tejido circundante.(AU)

Nasopalatine duct cyst, a delayed complication to successful dental implant placement: diagnosis and surgical management.

The dental literature reports frequently on both the success and survival of dental implants, whereby the focus remains on the biological response of hard and soft tissue to the implants. The predication and anticipation of adverse implant events can then lead to the preemption of implant loss. However, biological situations can arise that are outside the control of the clinician. The author reports a case history of the late manifestation of a nasopalatine duct cyst in close proximity to a dental implant and its subsequent surgical management.

[Controversial matters of arrangement of dental assistance within the framework of healthcare system reform and ways to increase of efficiency of diagnosing destructive processes in apical periodont].

In conditions of reform of primary level of medical sanitary assistance a tendency for decrease of availability of dental care for population has been revealed. Increase in number of complicated cases of typical dental diseases, inter alia, destructive affection of apical periodont. An examination of 347 patients with apical periodontitis has been held. For the purpose of improvement of differential diagnostics of radicular cysts and periapical granulomas as well as choice of adequate method of treatment postprocessing of digital dental roentgenograms has been used. 241 granulomas, 106 cysts (simplex and complex) and cystogranulomas--have been diagnosed. For improvement of visualization of destruction zone of alveolar bone possibilities of digital processing of image have been utilized. Postprocessing of digital roentgenograms significantly supplemented results of visual examination and excluded impact of subjective factor in composition of diagnostic conclusion. Upon results of examination of histograms of optical density of radiographic image of pathological zone signs of specific for granulomas, cysts and have been detected. Diagnostic conclusion coincides with results of pathomorphological study.

Nonendodontic lesions misdiagnosed as apical periodontitis lesions: series of case reports and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze cases referred from a reference service in oral pathology that were initially misdiagnosed as periapical lesions of endodontic origin and to perform a review of the literature regarding lesions located in the apical area of teeth with a nonendodontic source. METHODS: A survey was made of clinical cases derived from the service of oral pathology from 2002 to 2012. The pertinent literature was also reviewed using ScienceDirect and PubMed databases. The lesions were grouped into benign lesions mimicking endodontic periapical lesions (BLMEPLs), malignant lesions mimicking endodontic periapical lesions (MLMEPLs), and Stafne bone cavities. The clinical presentations were divided into lesions with swelling without pain, lesions with swelling and pain, and lesions without swelling but presenting with pain. RESULTS: The results showed that 66% (37/56) of cases represented benign lesions, 29% (16/56) malignant lesions, and 5% (3/56) Stafne bone cavities. The most commonly reported BLMEPLs were ameloblastomas (21%) followed by nasopalatine duct cysts (13.5%). The most frequently cited MLMEPLs were metastatic injuries (31.5%) followed by carcinomas (25%). The main clinical presentation of BLMEPLs was pain, whereas that of MLMEPLs was swelling associated with pain; Stafne bone cavities displayed particular clinical findings. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiologic aspects as well as the analysis of the patients' medical history, pulp vitality tests, and aspiration are essential tools for developing a correct diagnosis of periapical lesions of endodontic origin. However, if the instruments mentioned earlier indicate a lesion of nonendodontic origin, a biopsy and subsequent histopathological analysis are mandatory.

Análise imuno-histoquímica e por imunofluorescência da expressão da interleucina 17 em abscessos e granulomas periapicais / Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis of interleukin 17 in periapical abscess and granuloma

Abscessos e granulomas periapicais são considerados lesões inflamatórias relacionadas a elementos dentários, com origem em infecções do tecido pulpar e periapical. É pouco conhecido o papel da interleucina 17 (IL-17) nessas lesões, uma citocina que participa ativamente de uma classe de resposta imunológica recentemente descrita, denominada Th17. A resposta Th17 tem sido caracterizada pela produção de IL-17 por linfócitos CD4+ e tem sido associada à instalação e perpetuação do processo inflamatório, bem como a intenso recrutamento de neutrófilos. Este estudo tem como foco investigar a expressão dessa citocina em lesões de abscesso e granuloma periapicais, com a intenção de verificar se há diferenças de expressão entre essas duas lesões, já que a presença de infiltrado neutrofílico difere bastante entre elas. Testes imuno-histoquímicos para IL-17, CD4 (para identificação de linfócitos T CD4+), CD8 (para identificação de linfócitos T CD8+) e elastase (para identificação de células inflamatórias polimorfonucleadas) foram realizados em casos de abscesso (n=25) e granuloma (n=25) periapicais, selecionados do acervo do Serviço de Patologia Cirúrgica da Disciplina de Patologia Bucal da FOUSP. Foi obtida a porcentagem da área de células com expressão positiva para os marcadores citados. Também foi realizada a quantificação de células CD4+/IL-17+ e CD8+/IL-17+ detectadas por imunofluorescência nessas mesmas biópsias

Foram realizados testes estatísticos de Friedman e Mann-Whitney, para se verificarem as diferenças entre as porcentagens de marcação imuno-histoquímica obtidas para o abscesso e o granuloma, bem como teste de correlação de Spearman, para se verificar se havia correlação entre a expressão de IL-17 e os demais marcadores. Nos casos de abscesso periapical, houve expressão intensa de elastase, seguida de IL-17 e CD8, cujas respectivas porcentagens de expressão não diferiram estatisticamente entre si, mas foram significativamente maiores do que a da expressão do CD4 (p<0,0001). No teste de correlação de Spearman, houve correlação positiva significante entre IL-17 e CD8 (rs = 0,5944, p=0,0415), mas não entre IL-17 e elastase e IL-17 e CD4. Na quantificação de células duplamente positivas pela técnica da imunofluorescência houve significantemente mais células CD4+/IL-17+ do que CD8+/IL-17+ (p=0,0250). Nos casos de granuloma periapical, observou-se que a porcentagem de área de marcação do CD4 foi significativamente maior em relação a da elastase (p=0,0055), do CD8 (p=0,0200) e da IL-17 (p=0,0210). Houve correlação positiva significativa entre IL-17 e elastase (rs = 0,5604, p=0,0463), mas não entre IL-17 e os demais marcadores. Na quantificação de células duplamente positivas pela técnica da imunofluorescência houve significância maior para células CD4+/IL-17 do que de células CD8+/IL-17+ (p=0,0470). Na comparação da porcentagem de área de marcação entre abscesso e granuloma, a porcentagem de IL-17 foi significativamente maior nos abscessos (p=0,0114)

Periapical abscess and periapical granulomas are considered inflammatory lesions related to dental infections originated from pulpal and periodontal tissues. There is little information about the role of interleukin 17 (IL-17) on these lesions. IL-17 is a cytokine pertaining to a new class of immunological response termed Th17. Th17 response has been characterized by the IL-17 release by CD4+ lymphocytes and has been associated to stabilization and perpetuation of the inflammatory process, as well as to neutrophil recruitment. The present study focused on the investigation of the IL-17 expression in periapical abscess and periapical granuloma, in order to verify if there are differences between the lesions that could be related to level of neutrophil infiltrate. Immunohistochemical tests to IL-17, CD4 and CD8 (to identify different lymphocyte population) and elastase (to detect neutrophils) were performed in the periapical abscess (n=25) and granuloma (n=25) biopsies, selected from the collection of Surgical Pathology Service of the Department of Oral Pathology FOUSP. Percentage of the labeling area showing positive expression was obtained for the all cited markers. Counting of CD4+/IL17+ and CD8+/IL7+ cells detected by immunofluorescence was also performed. Friedman´s and Mann-Whitney non-parametric statistical tests were applied for the labeling area percentages in order to detect the significant differences between abscess and granuloma. Spearman´s correlation test was adopted to verify whether there was a correlation between IL-17 and the other markers

In the periapical abscess biopsies, elastase, IL-17, and CD8 were intensively labeled, with area percentage significantly higher than that observed for CD4 (p<0.0001). By the Spearman correlation test, there was significant positive correlation between IL-17 and CD8 (rs = 0.5944, p=0.0415), but not between IL-17 and elastase, and IL-17 and CD4. In the double staining by immunofluorescence there was significantly more CD4+/IL17+ cells than CD8+/IL17+ cells (p=0.0250). In the periapical granulomas, CD4 labeling area percentage was significantly higher than those for elastase (p=0.0055), CD8 (p=0.0200), and IL-17 (p=0.0210). There was significant positive correlation between IL-17 and elastase (rs = 0.5604, p=0.0463), but not between IL-17 and the other markers. The most frequent double staining cells were CD4+/IL17+ cells in the comparison with CD8+/IL17+ cells (p=0.0114). In conclusion, IL-17 labeling area percentage is higher in the abscess than in the granuloma; in the granulomatous lesions the IL-17 expression is directly proportional to the neutrophil infiltration. These results may indicate that the Th17 response participates to the acute phase of the apical inflammatory process

Comparative analysis of accuracy of diagnosis of chronic periapical lesions made by clinical and histopatological examination.

INTRODUCTION: The preliminary diagnosis of chronic periapical lesions is made on the basis of clinical symptoms and radiographs, which is a reliable diagnostic tool, but it has only a subsidiary role since histopathological verification is essential for the definitive diagnosis. This study was aimed at diagnosing removed chronic periapical lesions and classifying them by size as well as at comparing the clinical diagnoses with histipathological results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 34 patients diagnosed with chronic periapical process by applying clinical examination and radiography. The removed chronic periapical lesions were processed according to classical histological technique and analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining protocol. RESULTS: According to histopathological analysis 53% of chronic periapical lesions were periapical granulomas and 47% were radicular cysts. The size of the lesions ranged from <9 mm (70% of lesions), 9 to 20 mm (18% of lesions) and >20 mm (12% of lesions).The histopathological examination revealed that clinical diagnosis was wrong in 26% of cases. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant difference between clinical and histopathological diagnosis has been found. The histopathological findings strongly suggest the necessity of complete curettage of lesions sizing >20 mm in order to prevent recurrences.