Reabsorción dentinaria interna coronaria: informe de un caso clínico / Coronary internal dentine resorption: report of a clinical case

Objetivo: La reabsorción dentinaria interna es un pro- ceso causado por la actividad odontoclástica asociada princi- palmente a la inflamación pulpar crónica y/o traumatismos, y se caracteriza por la pérdida progresiva de tejido dentinario y la posible invasión al cemento. El presente informe describe el diagnóstico y tratamiento de un molar inferior que presentó un cuadro sintomático de reabsorción dentinaria interna. Caso clínico: Un paciente de 38 años fue derivado a la consulta por presentar una zona de reabsorción interna en un segundo molar inferior. Durante el examen clínico y ra- diográfico se tomó una radiografía preoperatoria periapical con radiovisiógrafo en la que se observó la presencia de un área compatible con el diagnóstico de reabsorción dentinaria interna, el que fue posteriormente confirmado por medio de una tomografía computada de haz cónico. La imagen de la lesión se presentó como una zona radiolúcida deformante de bordes nítidos, localizada a nivel de la cámara pulpar. El tra- tamiento consistió en la extirpación de la pulpa coronaria y de la instrumentación, desinfección y obturación de los conduc- tos radiculares y la cavidad de acceso. En el control clínico y radiográfico realizado luego de 3 años se observó que el paciente estaba asintomático y las estructuras perirradiculares se encontraban dentro de los límites normales. La observación histológica del material removido de la cámara pulpar reveló la presencia de un tejido granulomatoso con numerosos vasos sanguíneos y escasos focos micro hemorrágicos. Hasta el momento, el tratamiento endodóntico es el pro- cedimiento indicado para el tratamiento de la reabsorción dentinaria interna. Se destaca la importancia de la tomografía computada de haz cónico para el diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano de las reabsorciones dentinarias internas a efectos de contar con un pronóstico favorable (AU)

Aim: Internal dentine resorption is aprocess caused by odontoclastic activity, mainly associated with chronic pulpal inflammation and/or trauma, and it'scharacterized by a pro- gressive loss of dentine tissue and the possible invasion of the cementum. This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a lower molar that presented a symptomatic case of inter- nal dentine resorption. Clinical case: A 38-years old patient was referred to the office because of presenting an area of internal resorption in a lower second molar. During clinical and radiographic exam- ination, a periapical preoperative radiograph with radiovisio- graph was taken, in which the presence of an area compatible with the diagnosis of internal dentine resorption was observed, which was later confirmed by a cone-beam computed tomog- raphy.The image of the lesion was presented as a deforming radiolucent area with sharp edges, located at pulp chamber level. Treatment consisted of the removal of the coronary pulp and the instrumentation, disinfection and filling of the root ca- nals and the access cavity. In the clinical and radiographic control carried out 3 years after procedure, it was observed that the patient was asymptomatic and the periradicular struc- tures were within normal limits. The histological observation of the removed material from the pulp chamber revealed the presence of a granulomatous tissue with numerous blood ves- sels and scarce micro hemorrhagic focus. Until now, the endodontic treatment is the indicated pro- cedure to treat internal dentine resorption. It is necessary to highlight the importance of the cone-beam computerized to- mography for the early diagnosis and treatment of internal dentine resorptions in order to have a favorable outlook (AU)

Eficácia da intervenção educacional à distância na capacitação de cirurgiões-dentistas da rede pública sobre o uso consciente da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico: um ensaio clínico controlado quase-experimental / Efficacy of distance educational intervention in training public dentists on the conscious use of cone beam computed tomography: a quasi-experimental controlled clinical trial

Objetivo: Verificar a eficácia da intervenção educacional por videoconferência, para dentistas de um serviço público de saúde, sobre aquisição de conhecimentos em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico. Materiais e Métodos: Trata-se de um ensaio clínico controlado, com aplicação de questionários estruturados sobre uso criterioso da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, antes e depois da intervenção educacional. Os participantes do estudo foram divididos em grupos controle (aula presencial) e experimental (aula por videoconferência). Participaram desta pesquisa 133 dentistas no pré-teste (questionário aplicado antes da intervenção) e 129 no pós-teste (questionário aplicado após a intervenção). As análises foram executadas para avaliar as variáveis da metodologia de ensino e comparar a proporção das respostas corretas e "não sei" entre os tempos, discriminadas pela especialidade odontológica dos participantes. O nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05. Foram utilizados os testes de qui-quadrado e o modelo de regressão logística binária e, quando significativo, foi aplicado o teste post-hoc de Bonferroni. Resultados: A análise das respostas "não sei" e respostas corretas entre as modalidades de ensino presencial e por videoconferência demonstrou que não houve mudança significativa dos resultados. O resultado das respostas "não sei" evidenciou uma grande diferença entre os tempos, onde o percentual dessas respostas, após a intervenção, variou de 23,6% para 4,7% (p<0,001). Em todas as especialidades, essa redução foi significativa nas questões referentes ao conhecimento sobre radioproteção. O aumento de respostas corretas foi de quase 10% (p<0,001). Conclusão: A capacitação profissional através do método de videoconferência mostrou-se eficaz e comparável ao método presencial para a aquisição de conhecimentos em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico.

Objective: To verify the effectiveness of an educational intervention by videoconference, for dentists of a public health service, on acquiring knowledge in cone-beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: This is a controlled clinical trial with structured questionnaires on the judicious use of cone-beam computed tomography, before and after the educational intervention. Study participants were divided into control (faceto-face class) and experimental (videoconference class) groups. A total of 133 dentists participated in the pre-test (questionnaire applied before the intervention) and 129 in the post-test (questionnaire applied after the intervention). The analyzes were performed to evaluate the variables of the teaching methodology and to compare the proportion of correct and "I do not know" answers between times, broken down by the dental specialty of the participants. The level of significance adopted was 0.05. The chi-square tests and the binary logistic regression model were used and, when significant, the Bonferroni post-hoc test was applied. Results: The analysis of the answers "I don't know" and correct answers between the teaching modalities showed no significant change in the results. The result of the "I don't know" answers showed a significant difference between the times, where the percentage of these answers, after the intervention, varied from 23.6% to 4.7% (p<0.001). In all specialties, this reduction was significant in questions related to knowledge about radioprotection. The increase incorrect answers were almost 10% (p<0.001). Conclusion: Professional training through the videoconference method proved effective and comparable to the face-to-face method for acquiring knowledge in cone-beam computed tomography.

Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in post-treatment apical periodontitis

Abstract Objective: This study evaluated the expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and TGF-β) cytokines in apical periodontitis lesions. Correlations between these cytokines and clinical and cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) data were also assessed. Material and Methods: Apical periodontitis lesions' data were obtained from 27 patients subjected to periradicular surgery. Specimens were processed for histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis. Sections were evaluated according to the amount of positive staining for each antibody. Expression levels of the target mediators were compared with clinical and CBCT data. Results: Twenty lesions were diagnosed as granuloma and 7 as cyst. In granulomas, IL-4 expression was significantly higher than IL-6 (p=0.001) and TNF-α (p=0.001). There was a significant relationship between high levels of TNF-α and lesions <5 mm (p=0.017). In cysts, IL-6 expression was significant lower than IL-4 (p=0.001) and IFN-γ (p=0.004). There was a significant relationship between high levels of TGF-β and endodontic treatment performed ≤4 years before (p=0.045). In general, IL-4 was the most expressed mediator in both cysts and granulomas. Conclusions: There was a balance between the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines associated with the chronic periradicular inflammatory process. TNF-α and TGF-β were related to some clinical and CBCT data.

Ateromas como hallazgo incidental en tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (TCHC): reporte de un caso / Atheromas as incidental findings in cone beam computerized tomography: a case report

Los ateromas son lesiones focales que se desarrollan cuando las sustancias grasas, plaquetas, residuos celulares y el calcio se depositan en el revestimiento de las arterias, siendo la causa principal de los infartos de miocardio y accidentes cerebro vasculares. Estas enfermedades implican una secuencia de factores biológicos y mecanismos que pueden estar influenciados por diabetes mellitus, obesidad, hipertensión arterial, y una adecuada dieta. Se reporta el caso de una paciente de 76 años con imágenes nodulares hiperdensas bilaterales bien definidas sobre la TCHC, la cual permitió observar la localización exacta de las calcificaciones en los espacios de la orofaringe y carótida. Se llegó a un diagnóstico radiológico presuntivo de ateromas calcificados de carótidas. Este hallazgo incidental de calcificaciones bilaterales podría ser el indicador de una situación adversa en el futuro del paciente, ya que a menudo son manifestaciones de enfermedades silenciosas que pueden conducir a la muerte. (AU)

The atheromas are focal lesionsthat developed when fats, platelets, cellular debris and calcium substances are deposited on the lining of the arteries, being the cause pricipal of heart attacks and strokes. This diseases involves a sequence of biological factors and mechanisms which are influenced by diabetes mellitus, obesity, hipertension, poor diet and eating habits which are the classic risk factors that aggravate the disease. The case of a patient of 76 years is reported, with well-defined bilateral hyperdense nodular lesions on the CBCT, which allowed us to obsrve the exact location of calcifications in the spaces of the oropharynx and carotid. It was a presumptive radiological diagnosis of calcified carotid atheroma. This incidental finding of calcifications bilateral determines a powerful indicator of an adverse situation in the future of the patient, as they often are indicators of diseases quiet that can lead to death. (AU)

Temporomandibular joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis patients: association between clinical and tomographic data / Envolvimento da articulação temporomandibular em pacientes com artrite reumatoide - associação entre dados clínicos e tomográficos

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and synovial hyperplasia, which usually affects multiple joints. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) becomes susceptible to the development of changes resulting from RA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of TMD and degenerative bone changes in TMJ in patients diagnosed with RA (rheumatoid arthritis). The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/ TMD) questionnaire was used for clinical evaluation of the TMJ and for TMD classification of 49 patients of both sexes and all ages. Individuals who had already undergone prior treatment for TMD and/or with a history of craniofacial trauma were excluded. The participants underwent cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams to assess possible degenerative changes in the mandibular condyle and the articular eminence. The frequencies of the changes found are presented and the possible associations between clinical and CT findings analyzed using the chisquare test. It was found that 75% of the patients had complaints of pain in the orofacial region, including arthralgia, myalgia or both. As for the diagnoses, 100% of the sample was diagnosed as RDC/TMD Group III (arthralgia, osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis). The presence of degenerative bone changes was found in 90% of the subjects, the most prevalent being flattening (78.7%) and osteophytes (39.3%).

A artrite reumatoide (AR) é uma doença sistêmica, autoimune, caracterizada por inflamação crônica e hiperplasia sinovial, que usualmente afeta múltiplas articulações. Dentre estas, a articulação temporomandibular (ATM), tornase susceptível ao desenvolvimento de alterações. O estudo objetiva avaliar a presença de desordem temporomandibular (DTM) e altera ções ósseas degenerativas da ATM (articulação temporo man di bu lar) de pacientes diagnosticados com AR (artrite reumatóide). Como metodologia, aplicouse o questionário Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/ TDM) em para avaliação clínica da ATM e classificação da desordem temporomandibular em 49 pacientes de ambos os sexos e idade variável. Foram excluídos os indivíduos que já haviam realizado tratamento prévio para DTM e/ou com histórico de traumatismo crâniofacial. Posteriormente os participantes foram submetidos a exames de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) para avaliação de possíveis alterações degenerativas no côndilo mandibular e na eminência articular. Foram apresentadas as frequências das alterações encontradas e verificouse a associação entre os achados clínicotomográficos por meio do teste do Quiquadrado. Após a avaliação clínica verificouse que 75% dos pacientes possuíam queixas de dor na região orofacial, variando entre a presença de artralgia, mialgia ou ambas. Quanto aos diagnósticos, 100% da amostra apresentou diagnóstico do Grupo III do RDC/TMD (artralgia, osteoartrite ou osteoartrose). A presença de alterações ósseas degenera tivas foi encontrada em 90% dos indivíduos avaliados, sendo que as mais prevalentes foram aplainamento (78,7%) e osteófito (39,3%).

Differentiation between tuberculosis and leukemia in abdominal and pelvic lymph nodes: evaluation with contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography

PURPOSE: To compare the characteristics of tubercular vs. leukemic involvement of abdominopelvic lymph nodes using multidetector computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed multidetector computed tomography features including lymph node size, shape, enhancement patterns, and anatomical distribution, in 106 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed, untreated tuberculosis (55 patients; 52%) or leukemia (51 patients; 48%). In patients with leukemia, 32 (62.7%) had chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 19 (37.3%) had acute leukemias; of these, 10 (19.6%) had acute myeloid leukemia, and 9 (17.6%) had acute lymphocytic leukemia. RESULTS: The lower para-aortic (30.9% for tuberculosis, 63.2% for acute leukemias and 87.5% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and inguinal (9.1% for tuberculosis, 57.9% for acute leukemias and 53.1% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia) lymph nodes were involved more frequently in the three types of leukemia than in tuberculosis (both with p <0.017). Tuberculosis showed peripheral enhancement, frequently with a multilocular appearance, in 43 (78.2%) patients, whereas patients with leukemia (78.9% for acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia, 87.5% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia) demonstrated predominantly homogeneous enhancement (both with p <0.017). For the diagnosis of tuberculosis, the analysis showed that a peripheral enhancement pattern had a sensitivity of 78.2%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 88.7%. For the diagnosis of leukemia, the analysis showed that a homogeneous enhancement pattern was associated with a sensitivity of 84.3%, a specificity of 94.5%, and an accuracy of 89.6%. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the anatomical distribution and enhancement patterns of lymphadenopathy seen on multidetector computed tomography are useful for differentiating between untreated tuberculosis and leukemia of the abdominopelvic lymph nodes. .

Digital panoramic radiography for diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint: CBCT as the gold standard

Three-dimensional imaging modalities have been reported to be more accurate than panoramic radiographs (PR) for the assessment of bone components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). No exact prior information is available that demonstrates which specific limitations occur in terms of TMJ diagnosis when using PR for this purpose. This study aimed to assess the clinical validity of digital panoramic radiography (DPR) when diagnosing morphological disorders of the TMJ using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as the gold standard. A sample composed of TMJ images (N = 848), including 212 DPR and 212 CBCT images obtained from the same patient, was used to assess any morphological changes in the TMJ. Four appraisers diagnosed all of the DPR images, whereas the CBCT images were used to establish the gold standard. The reliability of each appraiser’s response pattern was analyzed using the Kappa test (κ), and diagnostic tests were performed to assess each appraiser’s performance using a significance level setting of 5% (α = 0.05). Reliability of each appraiser’s response pattern compared to the gold standard ranged from a slight-to-moderate agreement (0.18 ≤ κ ≤ 0.45); and among the different appraisers, the response pattern showed a fair agreement (0.22 ≤ κ ≤ 0.39). Diagnostic tests showed a wide range among the different possible morphological changes diagnosed. DPR does not have validity when diagnosing morphological changes in the TMJ; it underestimates the radiological findings with higher prevalence, and thus, it cannot be used effectively as a diagnostic tool for bone components within this region.

Evaluation of technical quality and periapical health of root-filled teeth by using cone-beam CT

Objective This study aimed to assess the quality of root fillings, coronal restorations, complications of all root-filled teeth and their association with apical periodontitis (AP) detected by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from an adult Turkish subpopulation. Material and Methods The sample for this study consisted of 242 patients (aging from 15 to 72 years) with 522 endodontically treated teeth that were assessed for technical quality of the root canal filling and periapical status of the teeth. Additionally, the apical status of each root-filled tooth was assessed according to the gender, dental arch, tooth type and age classification, undetected canals, instrument fracture, root fracture, apical resorption, apical lesion, furcation lesion and type and quality of the coronal structure. Statistical analysis was performed using percentages and chi-square test. Results The success rate of the root canal treatment was of 54.4%. The success rates of adequate and inadequate root canal treatment were not significantly different (p>0.05). Apical periodontitis was found in 228 (45.6%) teeth treated for root canals. Higher prevalence of AP was found in patients aging from 20 to 29 years [64 (27%) teeth] and in anterior (canines and incisors) teeth [97 (41%) teeth]. Conclusions The technical quality of root canal filling performed by dental practitioners in a Turkish subpopulation was consistent with a high prevalence of AP. The probable reasons for this failure are multifactorial, and there may be a need for improved undergraduate education and postgraduate courses to improve the clinical skills of dental practitioners in endodontics. .

Impact of cone-beam computed tomography on implant planning and on prediction of implant size

The aim was to investigate the impact of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) on implant planning and on prediction of final implant size. Consecutive patients referred for implant treatment were submitted to clinical examination, panoramic (PAN) radiography and a CBCT exam. Initial planning of implant length and width was assessed based on clinical and PAN exams, and final planning, on CBCT exam to complement diagnosis. The actual dimensions of the implants placed during surgery were compared with those obtained during initial and final planning, using the McNemmar test (p < 0.05). The final sample comprised 95 implants in 27 patients, distributed over the maxilla and mandible. Agreement in implant length was 50.5% between initial and final planning, and correct prediction of the actual implant length was 40.0% and 69.5%, using PAN and CBCT exams, respectively. Agreement in implant width assessment ranged from 69.5% to 73.7%. A paired comparison of the frequency of changes between initial or final planning and implant placement (McNemmar test) showed greater frequency of changes in initial planning for implant length (p < 0.001), but not for implant width (p = 0.850). The frequency of changes was not influenced by implant location at any stage of implant planning (chi-square test, p > 0.05). It was concluded that CBCT improves the ability of predicting the actual implant length and reduces inaccuracy in surgical dental implant planning.

Avaliação clínica e por imagem do efeito do tratamento periodontal mecânico não cirúrgico associado à aplicação tópica de alendronato de sódio a 1% no reparo periodontal: ensaio clínico randomizado controlado / Clinical and imaging of the effect of mechanical periodontal treatment nonsurgical associated with topical application of alendronate sodium 1% in periodontal repair reviewed randomized controlled trial

O alendronato de sódio é utilizado, na área médica, no tratamento da osteoporose e outras doenças ósseas. Nos últimos anos alguns estudos avaliaram o efeito do uso sistêmico do alendronato, principalmente, em defeitos ósseos decorrentes da evolução da doença periodontal inflamatória. Todavia, o uso sistêmico e prolongado do alendronato tem sido associado à osteonecrose dos maxilares. O objetivo deste ensaio clínico controlado randomizado foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento periodontal mecânico não cirúrgico, associado à aplicação tópica de alendronato de sódio a 1%, em indivíduos com periodontite. Para tanto, 16 indivíduos com periodontite crônica foram selecionados nas clínicas de Periodontia do Departamento de Odontologia da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, no período de abril de 2013 a maio de 2014...

Alendronate Sodium is medically used in the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone diseases. In the past few years, studies have evaluated the effect of systemic use of Alendronate Sodium, especially in the treatment of structural bone defects caused by the evolution of periodontal inflammatory diseases. However, the prolonged and systemic use of Alendronate Sodium has been associated with the treatment of osteonecrosis of the maxilla. The objective of this randomized and controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of non-surgical mechanical periodontal treatment, associated with the topical application of Alendronate Sodium at 1%, to individuals presenting cases of periodontitis. To the case, 16 individuals presenting chronic periodontitis were selected in the periodontal clinics of the Odontology department from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, in the period of April of 2013 to May of 2014. A complete periodontal exam was performed three and six months after the base exam, registeringthe following clinical parameters: probing depth, measured insertion loss, bleeding on probing, plaque index. The evaluation of the bone defects was performed using the technics of subtraction radiography and cone beam computerized tomography in the base exam and six months after the non-surgical ...(AU)

Avaliação dos efeitos da expansão rápida da maxila no volume aéreo nasal, por meio da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico / Evaluation of the rapid maxillary expansion effects in nasal airways volume through of cone beam computed tomography images

Neste estudo prospectivo foram avaliados os efeitos ocorridos no volume aéreo e na dimensão transversal (DT) da cavidade nasal, após o tratamento com expansão rápida da maxila (ERM), por meio da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Foram efetuados 44 exames de TCFC em 22 indivíduos com média de idade de 12 anos e 10 meses, sendo 13 do sexo feminino e 9 do sexo masculino, todos portadores de deficiência maxilar transversal, e sem sinais ou sintomas aparentes de doença respiratória aguda ou crônica. Os exames foram realizados antes do inicio da ativação do aparelho (T0), e imediatamente após o termino (T1). A padronização das imagens tomográficas dos exames em T0 e T1, foi executada por meio do programa de computador,onde foram marcados pontos anatômicos de referência passiveis de reprodução, e a avaliação da cavidade nasal em três dimensões, possibilitando a mensuração da variação volumétrica e transversal da cavidade nasal. Considerando os padrões metodológicos utilizados, este estudo mostrou que o aumento do volume aéreo da cavidade nasal, foi de 1,106 cm3 em média, ocorrendo em 68,18% dos indivíduos da amostra,porém não foi estatisticamente significante (p=0,102), contrariando o aumento transversal ocorrido em todos os indivíduos e, estatisticamente significante (p=0,000), na região anterior da cavidade nasal, de 1,017 mm,e na região posterior de 1,264 mm em média. O aumento do volume aéreo da cavidade nasal não é diretamente proporcional ao aumento daDT em relação ao tratamento de ERM

In this prospective study we evaluated the effects occurred in the air volume and the transverse dimension of the nasal cavity after treatment with rapid maxillary expansion (RME), through the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Forty-four CBCT scans in 22 subjects with a meanage of 12 years and 10 months, 13 females and 9 males, all with maxillary transverse deficiency, and with out apparent signs or symptoms of acute orchronic respiratory disease were done. The examinations were performed before the start of appliance activation (T0) and immediately after the end(T1). The standardization of tomographic images of the examinations atT0 and T1 was performed using computer software, which were marked anatomical points of reference liable to reproduction, and evaluation of the nasal cavity in three dimensions, providing the measurement of the volume and cross variation of the nasal cavity. Considering the methodological standards used, this study showed that increasing themean air volume of the nasal cavity was 1.106 cm3, occurring in 68.18% ofthe sample, but was not statistically significant (p=0.102), contradicting tothe cross increase occurred in all individuals, and statistically significant(p=0.000) in the anterior nasal cavity mean of 1.017 mm and 1.264 mm inthe posterior region. The increased air volume of the nasal cavity is not directly proportional to DT increase in the treatment of ERM

Avaliação dos efeitos da expansão rápida da maxila no volume aéreo nasal, por meio da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico / Evaluation of the rapid maxillary expansion effects in nasal airways volume through of cone beam computed tomography images

Neste estudo prospectivo foram avaliados os efeitos ocorridos no volume aéreo e na dimensão transversal (DT) da cavidade nasal, após o tratamento com expansão rápida da maxila (ERM), por meio da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Foram efetuados 44 exames de TCFC em 22 indivíduos com média de idade de 12 anos e 10 meses, sendo 13 do sexo feminino e 9 do sexo masculino, todos portadores de deficiência maxilar transversal, e sem sinais ou sintomas aparentes de doença respiratória aguda ou crônica. Os exames foram realizados antes do inicio da ativação do aparelho (T0), e imediatamente após o termino (T1). A padronização das imagens tomográficas dos exames em T0 e T1, foi executada por meio do programa de computador,onde foram marcados pontos anatômicos de referência passiveis de reprodução, e a avaliação da cavidade nasal em três dimensões, possibilitando a mensuração da variação volumétrica e transversal da cavidade nasal. Considerando os padrões metodológicos utilizados, este estudo mostrou que o aumento do volume aéreo da cavidade nasal, foi de 1,106 cm3 em média, ocorrendo em 68,18% dos indivíduos da amostra,porém não foi estatisticamente significante (p=0,102), contrariando o aumento transversal ocorrido em todos os indivíduos e, estatisticamente significante (p=0,000), na região anterior da cavidade nasal, de 1,017 mm,e na região posterior de 1,264 mm em média. O aumento do volume aéreo da cavidade nasal não é diretamente proporcional ao aumento daDT em relação ao tratamento de ERM.

In this prospective study we evaluated the effects occurred in the air volume and the transverse dimension of the nasal cavity after treatment with rapid maxillary expansion (RME), through the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Forty-four CBCT scans in 22 subjects with a meanage of 12 years and 10 months, 13 females and 9 males, all with maxillary transverse deficiency, and with out apparent signs or symptoms of acute orchronic respiratory disease were done. The examinations were performed before the start of appliance activation (T0) and immediately after the end(T1). The standardization of tomographic images of the examinations atT0 and T1 was performed using computer software, which were marked anatomical points of reference liable to reproduction, and evaluation of the nasal cavity in three dimensions, providing the measurement of the volume and cross variation of the nasal cavity. Considering the methodological standards used, this study showed that increasing themean air volume of the nasal cavity was 1.106 cm3, occurring in 68.18% ofthe sample, but was not statistically significant (p=0.102), contradicting tothe cross increase occurred in all individuals, and statistically significant(p=0.000) in the anterior nasal cavity mean of 1.017 mm and 1.264 mm inthe posterior region. The increased air volume of the nasal cavity is not directly proportional to DT increase in the treatment of ERM.