Identification of novel sublingual parameters to analyze and diagnose microvascular dysfunction in sepsis: the NOSTRADAMUS study.

BACKGROUND: The availability of handheld, noninvasive sublingual video-microscopes allows for visualization of the microcirculation in critically ill patients. Recent studies demonstrate that reduced numbers of blood-perfused microvessels and increased penetration of erythrocytes into the endothelial glycocalyx are essential components of microvascular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to identify novel microvascular variables to determine the level of microvascular dysfunction in sepsis and its relationship with clinical variables. METHODS: This observational, prospective, cross-sectional study included 51 participants, of which 34 critically ill sepsis patients were recruited from intensive care units of a university hospital. Seventeen healthy volunteers served as controls. All participants underwent sublingual videomicroscopy by sidestream darkfield imaging. A new developed version of the Glycocheck™ software was used to quantify vascular density, perfused boundary region (PBR-an inverse variable of endothelial glycocalyx dimensions), red blood cell (RBC) velocity, RBC content, and blood flow in sublingual microvessels with diameters between 4 and 25 µm. RESULTS: A detailed analysis of adjacent diameter classes (1 µm each) of vessels between 4 and 25 µm revealed a severe reduction of vascular density in very small capillaries (5-7 µm), which correlated with markers of sepsis severity. Analysis of RBC velocity (VRBC) revealed a strong dependency between capillary and feed vessel VRBC in sepsis patients (R2 = 0.63, p < 0.0001) but not in healthy controls (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.43), indicating impaired capillary (de-)recruitment in sepsis. This finding enabled the calculation of capillary recruitment and dynamic capillary blood volume (CBVdynamic). Moreover, adjustment of PBR to feed vessel VRBC further improved discrimination between sepsis patients and controls by about 50%. By combining these dynamic microvascular and glycocalyx variables, we developed the microvascular health score (MVHSdynamic™), which decreased from 7.4 [4.6-8.7] in controls to 1.8 [1.4-2.7] in sepsis patients (p < 0.0001) and correlated with sepsis severity. CONCLUSION: We introduce new important diameter-specific quantification and differentiated analysis of RBC kinetics, a key to understand microvascular dysfunction in sepsis. MVHSdynamic, which has a broad bandwidth to detect microvascular (dys-) function, might serve as a valuable tool to detect microvascular impairment in critically ill patients.

Sublingual microcirculation does not reflect red blood cell transfusion thresholds in the intensive care unit-a prospective observational study in the intensive care unit.

PURPOSE: Hemoglobin (Hb) transfusion thresholds are established in intensive care units. A restrictive transfusion threshold (Hb 70-75 g/l) is recommended in septic patients, and a liberal transfusion threshold (Hb 90 g/l) for cardiogenic shock. It is unclear whether these historically adopted transfusion thresholds meet the challenges of individual patients. METHODS: We evaluated microvascular flow index (MFI) and proportion of perfused vessels (PPV) in the sublingual microcirculation with CytoCam-IDF microscopy and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). A study team-independent, treating intensivist assigned a total of 64 patients to 1 of 2 two transfusion thresholds, 43 patients to the Hb 75 g/l threshold and 21 patients to the Hb 90 g/l threshold, at a surgical intensive care unit. We performed microcirculatory measurements 1 h before and 1 h after transfusion of 1 unit of red blood cells. RESULTS: Microcirculatory flow variables correlated negatively with pre-transfusion flow variables (ΔMFI: ρ = - 0.821, p <  0.001; ΔPPV: ρ = - 0.778, p <  0.001). Patients with good initial microcirculation (cutoffs: MFI > 2.84, PPV > 88%) showed a deteriorated microcirculation after red blood cell transfusion. An impaired microcirculation improved after transfusion. At both transfusion thresholds, approximately one third of the patients showed an initially impaired microcirculation. In contrast, one third in every group had good microcirculation above the cutoff variables and did not profit from the transfusion. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that the established transfusion thresholds and other hemodynamic variables do not reflect microcirculatory perfusion of patients. Blood transfusion at both thresholds 75 g/l and 90 g/l hemoglobin can either improve or harm the microcirculatory blood flow, questioning the concept of arbitrary transfusion thresholds.

Functional evaluation of sublingual microcirculation indicates successful weaning from VA-ECMO in cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly adopted for the treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS). However, a marker of successful weaning remains largely unknown. Our hypothesis was that successful weaning is associated with sustained microcirculatory function during ECMO flow reduction. Therefore, we sought to test the usefulness of microcirculatory imaging in the same sublingual spot, using incident dark field (IDF) imaging in assessing successful weaning from VA-ECMO and compare IDF imaging with echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: Weaning was performed by decreasing the VA-ECMO flow to 50% (F50) from the baseline. The endpoint of the study was successful VA-ECMO explantation within 48 hours after weaning. The response of sublingual microcirculation to a weaning attempt (WA) was evaluated. Microcirculation was measured in one sublingual area (single spot (ss)) using CytoCam IDF imaging during WA. Total vessel density (TVDss) and perfused vessel density (PVDss) of the sublingual area were evaluated before and during 50% flow reduction (TVDssF50, PVDssF50) after a WA and compared to conventional echocardiographic parameters as indicators of the success or failure of the WA. RESULTS: Patients (n = 13) aged 49 ± 18 years, who received VA-ECMO for the treatment of refractory CS due to pulmonary embolism (n = 5), post cardiotomy (n = 3), acute coronary syndrome (n = 2), myocarditis (n = 2) and drug intoxication (n = 1), were included. TVDssF50 (21.9 vs 12.9 mm/mm2, p = 0.001), PVDssF50 (19.7 vs 12.4 mm/mm2, p = 0.01) and aortic velocity-time integral (VTI) at 50% flow reduction (VTIF50) were higher in patients successfully weaned vs not successfully weaned. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.99 vs 0.93 vs 0.85 for TVDssF50 (small vessels) >12.2 mm/mm2, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >15% and aortic VTI >11 cm. Likewise, the AUC was 0.91 vs 0.93 vs 0.85 for the PVDssF50 (all vessels) >14.8 mm/mm2, LVEF >15% and aortic VTI >11 cm. CONCLUSION: This study identified sublingual microcirculation as a novel potential marker for identifying successful weaning from VA-ECMO. Sustained values of TVDssF50 and PVDssF50 were found to be specific and sensitive indicators of successful weaning from VA-ECMO as compared to echocardiographic parameters.

Intestinal and sublingual microcirculation are more severely compromised in hemodilution than in hemorrhage.

The alterations in O2 extraction in hemodilution have been linked to fast red blood cell (RBC) velocity, which might affect the complete release of O2 from Hb. Fast RBC velocity might also explain the normal mucosal-arterial Pco2 (ΔPco2). Yet sublingual and intestinal microcirculation have not been completely characterized in extreme hemodilution. Our hypothesis was that the unchanged ΔPco2 in hemodilution depends on the preservation of villi microcirculation. For this purpose, pentobarbital-anesthetized and mechanically ventilated sheep were submitted to stepwise hemodilution (n = 8), hemorrhage (n = 8), or no intervention (sham, n = 8). In both hypoxic groups, equivalent reductions in O2 consumption (V̇o2) were targeted. Microcirculation was assessed by videomicroscopy, intestinal ΔPco2 by air tonometry, and V̇o2 by expired gases analysis. Although cardiac output and superior mesenteric flow increased in hemodilution, from the very first step (Hb = 5.0 g/dl), villi functional vascular density and RBC velocity decreased (21.7 ± 0.9 vs. 15.9 ± 1.0 mm/mm(2) and 1,033 ± 75 vs. 850 ± 79 µm/s, P < 0.01). In the last stage (Hb = 1.2 g/dl), these variables were lower in hemodiution than in hemorrhage (11.1 ± 0.5 vs. 15.4 ± 0.9 mm/mm(2) and 544 ± 26 vs. 686 ± 70 µm/s, P < 0.01), and were associated with lower intestinal fractional O2 extraction (0.61 ± 0.04 vs. 0.79 ± 0.02, P < 0.01) but preserved ΔPco2 (5 ± 2 vs. 25 ± 4 mmHg, P < 0.01). Therefore, alterations in O2 extraction in hemodilution seemed related to microvascular shunting, not to fast RBC velocity. The severe microvascular abnormalities suggest that normal ΔPco2 was not dependent on CO2 washout by the villi microcirculation. Increased perfusion in deeper intestinal layers might be an alternative explanation.

Relationship Between Tongue Base Region Pressures and Vallecular Clearance.

Tongue base pressures have been thought to provide primary bolus clearance through the pharynx during swallowing. The relationship between bolus driving pressures and residue remaining in the valleculae after the swallow has not been defined. Thirty-seven dysphagic patients who were evaluated with both videofluoroscopy (VFSS) and high-resolution manometry (HRM) were identified within the University of Wisconsin Voice and Swallowing Outcomes database. Patients were categorized according to binary ratings of presence or absence of vallecular stasis as well as incomplete or complete tongue retraction on VFSS. Tongue base region pressures measured with HRM during saline swallows of 1 and 10 ml volumes were compared to ratings of vallecular stasis or tongue base retraction. No significant difference could be identified among mean peak HRM pressures when compared to presence or absence of vallecular stasis (1 ml saline: p = .1886; 10 ml saline: p = .7354). When categorized according to complete or incomplete tongue retraction, mean peak HRM pressures were significantly greater in the complete tongue retraction group as compared to incomplete tongue retraction (1 ml saline: p = .0223; 10 ml saline: p = .0100). Findings suggest there are multiple factors that lead to reduced vallecular clearance. In the absence of HRM measures, judging complete or incomplete tongue retraction on VFSS may be a more valid gauge of tongue base region pressures than vallecular clearance when planning dysphagia treatment.

Prolonged observation time reveals temporal fluctuations in the sublingual microcirculation in pigs given arginine vasopressin.

Intravital videomicroscopy of sublingual microcirculation is used to monitor critically ill patients. Existing guidelines suggest averaging handheld video recordings of ∼20 s in duration from five areas. We assessed whether an extended observation time may provide additional information on the microcirculation. Pigs (n = 8) under general anesthesia were divided between two groups, one with manually held camera, in which microcirculation was assessed continuously for 1 min in five areas, and one with a fixed camera, in which the observation time was extended to 10 min in a single area. The microcirculation was challenged by infusing arginine vasopressin (AVP). In the fixed group, ischemic acute heart failure was induced by left coronary microembolization, and the AVP infusion was repeated. All recordings were divided into 20-s sequences, and the small-vessel microvascular flow index (MFI) was scored and averaged for each measurement point. When administering 0.003, 0.006, and 0.012 IU·kg(-1)·min(-1) of AVP, we observed that the small-vessel MFI in the fixed 10-min group was significantly reduced (2.03 ± 0.38, 0.98 ± 0.18, and 0.48 ± 0.11) compared with both the initial 20 s (2.77 ± 0.04, 2.06 ± 0.04, and 1.74 ± 0.06; P < 0.05) and the 1-min total (2.63 ± 0.09, 1.70 ± 0.07, and 1.33 ± 0.16; P < 0.05) in the handheld group. In acute heart failure, the cardiac output decreased to half of the preischemic values. Interestingly, the small-vessel MFI was more affected by the administration of 0.001 and 0.003 IU·kg(-1)·min(-1) of AVP in acute heart failure (1.62 ± 0.60 and 1.16 ± 0.38) compared with preischemic values (2.86 ± 0.09 and 2.03 ± 0.38; P < 0.05). In conclusion, a prolonged recording time reveals temporal heterogeneity that may impact the assessment of microcirculatory function.

Sialolito de grandes dimensões no ducto da glândula submandibular / Large sialolith in the submandibular gland duct

O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever o caso de um sialolito de grandes dimensões em glândula submandibular. Paciente do sexo feminino, leucoderma, 53 anos, procurou o cirurgião-dentista queixando-se de xerostomia, dor e inchaço na região de assoalho bucal, principalmente observado durante as refeições. O exame físico revelou uma tumefação em região submandibular esquerda, sensível a palpação, além de aumento de volume intra-oral firme, na região sublingual esquerda. Ao ordenhar a glândula submandibular, houve saída de pus. A radiografia oclusal inferior evidenciou extensa imagem radiopaca extensa, bem delimitada, cilíndrica e alongada. A associação dos exames clínicos e radiográficos levou ao diagnóstico de cálculo salivar. Foi realizada excisão cirúrgica da lesão sob anestesia local, com preservação da glândula submandibular. O exame anatomopatológico do cálculo revelou, na macroscopia, uma peça cirúrgica de consistência dura e cor amarela medindo 2,2 cm de diâmetro e, na microscopia, a presença de laminações concêntricas de material calcificado. A paciente encontra-se em acompanhamento há 2 anos e 8 meses, sem queixas de função glandular ou fluxo salivar, sem aumento de volume e exame radiográfico sem alterações. Apesar das grandes dimensões do sialolito, sua localização próxima à saída do dueto permitiu um tratamento conservador com bons resultados para a paciente.

This paper aims to describe a case of a large submandibular sialolith. A 53-year-old Caucasian female looked for for her dentist complaining of xerostomia, pain and swelling in the floor of the mouth, mainly observed during meals. The physical exam revealed a tender swelling on palpation in the left submandibular region, and also a firm intraoral swelling was detected in the left sublingual region. It was possible to draw pus from the submandibular gland. Mandibular occlusal radiography showed an extensive cylindrical and elongated, well-defined radiopaque image in the floor of the mouth. The association of clinical and radiographic findings led to the diagnosis of salivary calculus. The lesion was submitted to surgical excision under local anesthesia and the submandibular gland was maintened. Macroscopic analysis revealed a yellow and hard in consistency specimen, measuring 2.2 cm in length, and microscopic analysis revealed the presence of concentric laminations of calcified material associated with . The patient is being followed up for 2 years and 8 months, with no complaints of salivary flow or gland dysfunction, without gland swelling and no radiographic changes. Despite it being a large sialolith, its location near the exit of the duct allowed a conservative treatment with satisfactory aesthetic and functional results for the patient.

Microcirculatory alterations in traumatic hemorrhagic shock.

OBJECTIVES: Microcirculatory dysfunction has been well reported in clinical studies in septic shock. However, no clinical studies have investigated microcirculatory blood flow behavior in hemorrhagic shock. The main objective of this study was to assess the time course of sublingual microcirculation in traumatic hemorrhagic shock during the first 4 days after trauma. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING ICU PATIENTS: Eighteen traumatic hemorrhagic shock patients. INTERVENTIONS: The sublingual microcirculation was estimated at the study inclusion after surgical or angiographic embolization to control bleeding (D1), and then three times at 24-hour intervals (D2, D3, and D4). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sublingual microcirculation was impaired for 72 hours despite restoration of the macrovascular circulation after control of bleeding in traumatic hemorrhagic shock patients. Furthermore, we found significantly higher decreases in the microvascular flow index and proportion of perfused vessels in high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score patients at D4 (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ≥ 6) compared to low Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score patients at D4 (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score < 6) without any differences in global hemodynamics between these two groups. Finally, the initial proportion of perfused vessels at D1 appears to be a good predictor of high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at D4. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations of microcirculation in traumatic hemorrhagic shock patients result from the interplay among hemorrhage-induced tissue hypoperfusion, trauma injuries, inflammatory response, and subsequent resuscitation interventions. Despite restoration of the macrocirculation, the sublingual microcirculation was impaired for at least 72 hours. The initial proportion of perfused vessels appears to be a good predictor of high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at D4. Further studies are required to firmly establish the link between microvascular alterations and organ dysfunction in traumatic hemorrhagic shock patients.

Correlation between different Chinese medicine syndromes and changes in microcirculation in septic shock patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between different Chinese medicine (CM) syndromes and variations in microcirculation in septic shock patients. METHODS: seventy Septic shock patients were divided into four groups: heat damaging qi-yin group (HDQY, 23 cases); yin exhaustion and yang collapse group (YEYC, 26 cases); excessive heat in Fu organ group (EHFO, 10 cases); and heat damaging nutrient-blood group (HDNB, 11 cases). Sublingual microcirculation parameters were observed by sidestream dark-field (SDF) imaging and scored by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and parameters of microcirculation perfusion variations and prognoses were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with those with qi-yin heat damage, perfused vessel density (PVD) in other groups decreased dramatically (P<0.05), and APACHE II scores increased significantly (P<0.05). In addition, the recovery time was prolonged substantially (P<0.05), and the mixed venous oxygen saturation (SVO2) decreased (P<0.05). Blood lactic acid increased significantly (P<0.05), and the mixed SVO decreased (P<0.05), in the YEYC group. Compared with the thermal injury camp blood group, sublingual microcirculation parameter variations showed no obvious difference in the YEYC and EHFO groups (P>0.05). There were significant positive correlations between CM syndromes and APACHE II scoring in different groups (r=0.512, P<0.05). There were negative correlations between PVD and APACHE II scoring (r=-0.378, P=0.043), the proportion of perfused vessels (PPV) and APACHE II scoring (r=-0.472, P=0.008), as well as between the microvascular flow index (MFI) and APACHE II scoring (r=-0.424, P=0.023) in different patients. CONCLUSION: Sublingual microcirculation may serve as a clinical diagnostic parameter of the patient condition, as well as being a prognostic indicator.

Sublingual microvascular changes in patients with cerebral small vessel disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It is unknown whether changes in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) are limited to the brain or part of a generalized vascular disorder. METHODS: We examined the sublingual microcirculation of 10 healthy controls, 10 patients with large vessel disease, and 8 with SVD, with side-stream dark field imaging. We analyzed 146 video fragments masked to the origin of the videos. Imaging software measured the functional capillary density per tissue surface unit. We scored the percentage of blood vessels with abnormal flow (abnormal flow index) and the presence of extravascular erythrocyte material as presumed evidence of past microbleeds or obliterated vessels. RESULTS: Functional capillary density differed between the 3 groups (SVD, large vessel disease, and controls; means, 14.8, 17.0, and 16.1 mm/mm2; P=0.01). Abnormal flow was more frequent in SVD patients compared with large vessel disease patients and controls (medians, 10.5%, 6.1%, 5.5%; P=0.04). Extravascular erythrocyte material was almost exclusively present in patients with SVD (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence of pathological changes in the sublingual microcirculation in patients with cerebral small vessel disease, which suggests that cerebral SVD is part of a generalized vascular disorder.

Angiotensin II receptor blocker-induced angioedema in the oral floor and epiglottis.

We report the rare case of angioedema (also known as Quincke edema), which was induced by valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). ARBs are a new class of antihypertensive agent that is developed to exclude the adverse effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. In theory, ARBs do not contribute to the occurrence of angioedema because they do not increase the serum level of bradykinin, the responsible substance for angioedema. However, some reports of ARB-induced angioedema have recently been published. In this study, we present the forth case and the first Asian case of angioedema due to valsartan, which is one of the ARBs. Otolaryngologist should be wary of the prescribing ARB and discontinue ARBs treatment soon, if angioedema is recognized.

Comparison of oral mucosal pH values in bulimia nervosa, GERD, BMS patients and healthy population.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the oral mucosal pH in healthy individuals to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Bulimia nervosa (BN) and burning mouth syndrome (BMS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Using a flat pH meter sensor, pH levels were established in eight mucosal sites in 26 healthy individuals, 26 GERD patients, 22 BN patients and 29 BMS patients. RESULTS: A significantly lower pH was found in the BN and GERD groups (6.38 ± 00.45, 6.51 ± 0.32 respectively, P < 0.05) and a higher, but non-significant, pH level in the BMS group (7.01 ± 0.34, P > 0.05) compared with the control (C) group (6.82 ± 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: BMS patients showed no pH differences from C group. The mucosa of BN and GERD patients was significantly acidic relative with controls; thus this simple technique may serve as a diagnostic tool for identifying gastro-esophageal conditions.

Speech after radial forearm free flap reconstruction of the tongue: a longitudinal acoustic study of vowel and diphthong sounds.

The purpose of this study was to use acoustic analyses to describe speech outcomes over the course of 1 year after radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction of the tongue. Eighteen Canadian English-speaking females and males with reconstruction for oral cancer had speech samples recorded (pre-operative, and 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year post-operative). Acoustic characteristics of formants (F1, F2), fundamental frequency (F0), and duration of 699 vowel and diphthong tokens were analysed. Furthermore, the changes in size of the vowel space area were studied, as well as the effects of radiation therapy (RT) and inclusion of the floor of the mouth (FOM) in the reconstruction. RFFF reconstruction was found to affect several characteristics in males, and a minimal number of variables in females. General signs of reduced ability to articulate were not observed. RT and FOM had no differing effects compared to non-RT or non-FOM. There were individual differences between patients.

[The tongue as a receptor and effector after tumor resection in the oral cavity]. / Jezyk jako receptor i efektor po wycieciu nowotworu jamy ustnej.

PURPOSE: To evaluate functional impairment in the oral cavity after resection of neoplasm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 71 patients after partial or total glossectomy were examin ed to evaluate tongue mobility, superficial sensation, oral stereognosis and efficiency of deglutition. The extent of tongue resection, reconstruction procedures, tumor localization and the postoperative radiotherapy were taken into consideration. RESULTS: Excision of up to one-third of the mobile part of the tongue does not impair its function. Although longitudinal excision of half of the tongue with adjacent structures limits its mobility and sensory sensitivity, efficient deglutition is preserved. Despite extensive disturbances in mobility and sensory sensitivity of the tongue after transversal hemiglossectomy with adjacent structures, efficient deglutition is still achievable after rehabilitation. In the case of total glossectomy efficient deglutition also can be achieved after extended rehabilitation. This is also true for tongue reconstructed with a myocutaneous flap. CONCLUSIONS: Juxtaposition of limitations in sensorymotor functions with disturbances in deglutition after resection of tongue tumor facilitates understanding and prediction of these processes. Evaluation of deglutition efficiency after tongue reconstruction reflects effectiveness of rehabilitation.

[Submental transcutaneous electrical stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea]. / Transkutane, submentale Elektrostimulationstherapie bei obstruktiver Schlafapnoe.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical stimulation while asleep has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), although without convincing results. Modern strategies consist of electrical muscle training for a number of weeks during wakefulness rather than stimulation during sleep. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the practicability, safety, and efficacy of a new device, SilentOne (Imperpuls, Chemnitz, Germany). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with various degrees of OSA used transcutaneous submental electrical stimulation therapy for 4-5 weeks every day, day and night. A patient's diary recorded practicability and potential adverse events. Respiratory parameters were recorded by fully attended polysomnography in the sleep lab. Daytime sleepiness and snoring were assessed by questionnaires. RESULTS: The apnea-hypopnea-index decreased from 29.2 before to 21.2 after therapy (P<0.05). Daytime sleepiness improved significantly (P<0.01) as did snoring (P<0.005). CONCLUSIONS. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapy using SilentOne proved to be safe, easy to use, and potent. However, therapy showed a limited cure rate.

The relevance of pH to gingivitis and periodontitis.

Although the resting pH of the oral cavity is between 5 and 9, it is also known to vary widely depending on a number of factors. While this phenomenon has been extensively studied in relation to dental caries, little research has been undertaken of its possible significance in relation to gingivitis and periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate any possible correlations between pH and gingivitis and periodontal pocketing. Forty-two subjects with gingivitis and periodontitis were included in this study. Strips of pH indicator paper were placed on the floor of the mouth, soft palate, healthy gingival margins, sites of superficial gingivitis, and in periodontal pockets. It was shown that pH varies in different sites in the mouth. Statistically significant correlations between pH and gingivitis were not identified, but significant correlations between pH and periodontal pocketing were evident, although wide variations were observed between pockets. Randomly distributed pH readings ranging from 2-9 were observed within a single periodontal pocket. This implies that the physiology of processes taking place within periodontal pockets is wide ranging and complex. Different levels of pH indicate different chemical environments which may imply that different disease and reparative processes are occurring simultaneously within each periodontal pocket. The limitations of the assessment technique used in this study were highlighted and compared in relation to results obtained from other studies using more sophisticated techniques and it was found that the results obtained using this unsophisticated technique were in agreement with most of these other studies. Therefore, this technique may have applications in screening for disease activity in clinical practice. However, the need for further work to confirm the observations of this study is necessary to corroborate these associations.

Tumefaçöes do soalho bucal relacionadas às glândulas sublinguais em desdentados parciais e totais: estudos clínico e microscópico / Mouth floor enlargement related to the sublingual gland in edentulous and partially edentulous: clinical and microscopical studies

A tumefaçäo do soalho bucal relacionada à glândula sublingual é uma entidade que tem sido pouco enfatizada na literatura e foi descrita inicialmente por Campos, em 1996, como uma hiperplasia da glândula sublingual. Ocorre em pacientes com perda de dentes posteriores inferiores e pode causar problemas na adaptaçäo de próteses totais ou parciais inferiores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi definir as principais alteraçöes microscópicas e a epidemiologia das tumefaçöes do soalho bucal. Foram removidas 24 glândulas sublinguais de 19 pacientes, 15 do gênero feminino e quatro do masculino, com idade variando de 48 a 74 anos e média de 57 anos. A indicaçäo para cirurgia foi o traumatismo sobre a regiäo no soalho bucal ou para possibilitar a adaptaçäo de próteses. O material obtido foi corado com H.E., Tricrômico de Mallory e P.A.S. Das 24 glândulas sublinguais removidas, seis foram consideradas microscopicamente normais, apesar do aspecto clínico alterado. Nas 18 glândulas alteradas, observamos as seguintes alteraçöes: 1) Atrofia acinar e aumento no número de ductos e formaçöes ductiformes. 2) Fibrose intersticial e retençäo de muco intraductal em 17 casos. 3) Discreto infiltrado mononuclear e diminuiçäo do tecido linfóide em 16 casos. 4) Infiltraçäo de tecido adiposo em 15 casos. 5) Oncocitose em cinco glândulas. Ocorrem principalmente em mulheres após a quarta década de vida, sempre associadas com ausência de dentes posteriores inferiores. Sugerimos que as tumefaçöes do soalho bucal em desdentados parciais ou totais sejam consideradas entidade nosológica

Congenital heterotopic gastrointestinal cyst of the oral cavity in a neonate: case report and review of literature.

Heterotopic gastrointestinal cysts of the oral cavity are rare benign lesions which may mimic both benign and malignant neoplasms. These cysts are usually discovered during infancy, but may not appear until well into adulthood. This lesion involves the tongue and floor of the mouth in 97% of cases and has a male predilection. The cyst may range in size from less than 1 cm to 9 cm, with most lesions being 1-3 cm in size. About 30% of affected individuals have symptoms related to difficulties with feeding, swallowing and respiration. The epithelial lining is quite variable, but all cysts have an enteric lining. The histogenesis is related to entrapment of undifferentiated, noncommitted endoderm within the oral cavity during the 3rd-4th week of fetal life. The purpose of this paper is to report a congenital heterotopic gastrointestinal cyst of the oral cavity presenting in a neonate. The clinical and histopathologic features of this cyst are reviewed, as well as the histogenesis of this lesion.

Simple sublingual ranulas: pathogenesis and management.

Simple ranulas in the floor of the mouth usually reflect a mucus escape reaction that develops after disruption of sublingual gland elements. As such, they comprise an accumulation of mucus within connective tissue and lack an epithelial lining. Simple ranulas should be distinguished from cervical, or plunging, ranulas. Recommended treatments for simple ranulas usually involve excision of the ipsilateral sublingual gland, "marsupialization," or simple excision of the cyst. Alternatively, the ranula can be treated with the placement of a silk suture or seton into the dome of the cyst. Four cases using this technique are reported.