Evaluating Morphology of the Pterygomaxillary Junction and Its Association With the Orbit in Different Facial Skeletal Relationships.

PURPOSE: The etiology for blindness after Le Fort I osteotomy is poorly understood. The authors propose that a study of the morphology and anatomical relationship of the pterygomaxillary junction to orbital vital structures may be crucial for understanding the possible etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study involved analysis of data procured from computed tomography scans of individuals who were categorized into 4 groups based on their skeletal characteristics: skeletal Class I, II, and III and cleft lip and palate (CLP). The outcome variables included i) the height, width, and thickness of the pterygomaxillary junction (PTMJ) which represent its morphology and ii) distance of the PTMJ to the superior orbital fissure and optic canal, to demonstrate its proximity to orbital vital structures. Primary outcome measures were to i) compare variance of the outcome variables across groups, ii) determine association between PTMJ morphology and its proximity to the orbit, and iii) determine association between skeletal morphology and the outcome variables. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to study variance and association. RESULTS: Forty patients (80 sides) were divided into 4 groups. The CLP group demonstrated maximum height and thickness of the PTMJ, whereas the Class II group demonstrated the minimum (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). The CLP group demonstrated the closest proximity of the PTMJ to orbital vital structures (P < .001), with Class II being the farthest (P < .001). There was a weak positive correlation between the PTMJ height and its thickness and width, whereas a moderate negative correlation was seen between the PTMJ height and its distance from the optic canal and superior orbital fissures (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Morphology of the PTMJ varies with facial skeletal relationship and also influences the relationship of the PTMJ with the orbital vital structures. This may be critical in understanding the pathophysiology of blindness after Le Fort I osteotomies.

EUS-guided pancreatic cyst brushing: a comparative study in a tertiary referral centre.

CONTEXT: Fluid analysis obtained by EUS guided FNA is used to aid in diagnosis and management of cystic lesions in the pancreas. Complementing fluid aspiration with brushing of cyst wall may increase the cellular yield. OBJECTIVE: To compare cellular yield of pancreatic cyst FNA with and without wall brushing. DESIGN: Comparative study. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. PATIENTS: Fifty-one patients with cystic pancreatic lesions referred for EUS-guided aspiration/sampling were included (median age 69 years; interquartile range: 49-77 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparing adequacy of cellular yield between EUS-guided aspiration alone vs. EUS-guided aspiration and cyst wall brushing. INTERVENTION: EUS-guided FNA and/or wall brushing (aspiration only: No. 27; brushing: No. 24). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age (P=0.496) cyst size (P=0.084) or cyst location (P=0.227) between groups. Overall 29.5%; (15/51) of samples were acellular/insufficient with no significant difference between the two groups (22.2% in the aspiration only group vs. 37.5% in the brushing group; P=0.356). The remaining samples were adequate for cytological evaluation (77.8% vs. 62.5%; aspiration only vs. brushing groups). Seventeen cases were neoplastic (8 benign, 9 malignant). The diagnostic accuracy was 61.9% and 55.0% in aspiration only and brushing groups, respectively. Two out of 4 (50.0%) patents were diagnosed as having cancer in the brushings group compared to 1/5 (20.0%) in the FNA only group (P=0.524). LIMITATIONS: Non-randomised series. CONCLUSIONS: The cellular yield was similar in FNA and brushing group. Greater proportion of patients with malignant cystic pancreatic lesions diagnosed by EUS sampling was in the brushing group, but this did not reach statistical significance.

Efficacy, safety, and predictive factors for a positive yield of EUS-guided Trucut biopsy: a large tertiary referral center experience.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided trucut biopsy (EUS-TCB) technique has the advantage of obtaining tissue for histological examination rather than for cytology alone. However, the diagnostic yield may depend on factors related to both technical aspects and the lesions sampled. Safety of EUS-TCB is yet to be established in a large number of procedures. The aim of the study was to determine factors predicting a positive diagnostic yield, and safety for EUS-TCB in a large tertiary referral center-based service. METHODS: All patients were referred for EUS-guided tissue sampling as a part of their diagnostic workup. Linear-array echoendoscope (GF-2000-OL5, KeyMed) with a 19-gauge trucut needle (Quick-Core, Wilson-Cook) was used by two operators to obtain tissue samples. Clinical data, details of the EUS-TCB, post-procedure complications, and histology were prospectively collected between May 2002 and February 2008. RESULTS: In total, 247 patients (143 men) aged 57-73 (median 66) had EUS-TCB performed. Lesions sampled were in the pancreas (113), esophagogastric wall (34), and extra-pancreatic areas (100) (lymph nodes: 52). The maximum diameter of the lesion/wall thickness ranged from 0.6 to 5.4 cm (median 3). One to five passes were made (median 3) to obtain tissue cores 2-18 mm (median 10) in length. The procedure failed in 6% of cases. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 75%. The overall complication rate was 2% (bronchopneumonia, minor hemoptysis, minor hematemesis, mucosal tear, retropharyngeal abscess) with no procedure-related deaths. Site of lesion (pancreatic vs. extra-pancreatic, P<0.032), site of biopsy (stomach vs. duodenum vs. esophagus, P<0.001), and number of passes (< or =2 vs.>2, P<0.013) were predictors of a positive diagnostic yield in univariate analysis. However, only the site of biopsy (P<0.001, 95% CI: 0.58-2.32) and number of passes (P=0.05) were independent predictors in multinominal logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic yield of EUS-TCB is higher when lesion is approached through the stomach and better when more than two passes were made. In this large series, the complication rate of 2% associated with EUS-TCB was similar to that reported with EUS-fine needle aspiration technique.

Surveillance in Barrett's oesophagus.

Barrett's oesophagus is a premalignant condition with an increasing incidence of adenocarcinoma. There remains uncertainty based on the lack of accurate information, not least the necessity for, effectiveness of, and optimal interval for surveillance of known cases. The incidence of oesophageal cancer may not be as high as previously supposed, which could influence both surveillance intervals and cost effectiveness. Issues around patient selection have not been satisfactorily resolved; although most patients at risk are elderly and die of other causes, advanced oesophageal cancer is an unpleasant condition and the prevention of the morbidity associated with this by endoscopic therapy of early lesions may be a worthwhile goal. Many patients drop out of surveillance programmes; some of the reasons appear to centre on the lack of information and point to the need to educate our patients if we believe surveillance to be worthwhile.

Acute phase reactants predict mitral regurgitation following mitral valvuloplasty.

This report evaluated whether acute phase reactants can predict the development of mitral regurgitation following percutaneous mitral valvotomy. 58 patients who developed significant mitral regurgitation following valvotomy were retrospectively compared with 58 age, sex and procedure technique matched control patients, who had valvotomy without mitral regurgitation. ESR and total leucocyte count were significantly higher in the group who developed mitral regurgitation, than in the control group. Higher ESR and total leucocyte count may be indicative of ongoing low grade sub-clinical inflammatory process, which makes the valve tissue friable which can give way during balloon stretch and lead onto mitral regurgitation.

Management of low and high-grade dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease: the gastroenterologists' perspective and current practice in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Colonic dysplasia is a precursor to colorectal cancer (CRC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is a risk of progression of both low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) to CRC over 5 years. The current British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines advocate colectomy when possible or at least colonoscopic surveillance every 6 months. AIM: To obtain an overview of the gastroenterologists' perspective on various aspects of colonic dysplasia in IBD and to understand current management practice in the UK. METHODS: A national postal survey of 551 gastroenterologists listed in the British Society of Gastroenterology Handbook 2003. RESULTS: Some 56% of questionnaires were returned; 255 out of 551 completed questionnaires were included in the final analysis. A total of 70% considered LGD to be premalignant, whereas all considered HGD to be premalignant. Only 13% offered routine colectomy for LGD compared with 84% for HGD. More than a third felt that flat LGD might not have concurrent CRC, of which 95% performed surveillance colonoscopies in this group. A small proportion of the remaining gastroenterologists treated flat LGD surgically (13%), whereas 85% considered that LGD with dysplasia-associated lesion or mass (DALM) constituted a high risk of concurrent CRC, but only 52.5% offered total colectomy to this group. There was a wide variation in the frequency of surveillance for LGD in flat mucosa and DALM. A majority agreed that LGD progressed to HGD (82%) and CRC (75%). However, their perception of the risk of progression to either HGD or CRC over 5 years varied widely. All agreed that HGD may have coexistent CRC, and 98% thought it progressed to CRC. Patients were more likely to be treated with colectomy for flat HGD (77%) and HGD in the presence DALM (86%); 38% of gastroenterologists felt that over 30% of patients have coexistent CRC in HGD, and 10% continued to manage them conservatively. CONCLUSION: There are wide variations in the perceptions and management of LGD in IBD in the UK compared with HGD, in which there seems to be more uniform agreement. The need for more research in this area and a national agreement on management is paramount. Until this is reached gastroenterologists will remain open to criticism and litigation.

The short-term effects of Eudragit-L-coated prednisolone metasulphobenzoate (Predocol) on bone formation and bone mineral density in acute ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: The aetiology of bone loss in ulcerative colitis is multifactorial, but corticosteroid treatment is an important risk factor. A novel formulation of Eudragit-L-coated prednisolone metasulphobenzoate (Predocol) has been developed, in order to deliver high mucosal levels of prednisolone within the colon but with little systemic absorption. The aim of this study was to investigate its efficacy, and short-term effects on bone formation and bone mineral density. METHODS: In a 12-week longitudinal study 13 patients with active colitis were treated with a reducing dose of Predocol. Disease activity scores were recorded and the bone formation marker osteocalcin was measured before, during and after treatment, with hip and spine bone mineral density assessed at baseline and after treatment. RESULTS: Eleven of the 13 patients completed the study. Compared with baseline, disease activity scores improved significantly after 4 weeks [difference in means, 6.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 5.2, 8.7; P < 0.0001] and 12 weeks (difference in means, 5.7; 95% CI, 3.3, 8.2; P < 0.0001) of treatment. Osteocalcin did not fall compared with baseline [16.91 mg/l (95% CI, 12.70, 21.12)], after 4 weeks [13.67 mg/l (95% CI, 8.72, 18.60)] (difference in means, 3.25; 95% CI, 2.37, 8.87; P = 0.23) or 12 weeks [23.91 mg/l (95% CI, 16.10, 31.74)] (difference in means, 13.23; 95% CI, 2.45, 16.48; P = 0.13) of treatment. Similarly, bone mineral density at the hip [0.99 g/cm (95% CI, 0.90, 1.09)] did not change after 12 weeks of treatment [1.00 g/cm (95% CI, 0.89, 1.11)] (difference in means, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.25, 0.34; P = 0.74). Spine bone mineral density did not fall from pre-treatment levels [1.20 g/cm (95% CI, 1.11, 1.30)] after 12 weeks [1.19 g/cm (95% CI, 1.10, 1.29)] (difference in means, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.004, 0.01; P = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that Predocol is effective treatment for acute ulcerative colitis and short courses of the steroid have no adverse effects on bone formation and bone mineral density. The encouraging results from this study suggest that Predocol may be a significant advance in preventing corticosteroid induced bone loss in ulcerative colitis.

Role of Arthrocentesis in the Management of Acute Closed Lock of TM Joint: A Pilot study.

The following study was conducted in Meenakshi Ammal Dental College on 32 patients. The objective of our study was to assess the efficacy of arthrocentesis for the management of acute closed lock of TMJ. All patients presented with a history of sudden and persistent difficulty in mouth opening and associated TMJ pain. A total of 27 female and 5 male patients were treated using arthrocentesis and lavage under local anesthesia. Patients were assessed for pain and jaw function using visual analogue scales, VAS I (Fig. 4b), VAS II (Fig. 4c), respectively and mouth opening MMO (Fig. 4a) for a period of 6 months. Our results showed satisfactory relief in pain and improved mouth opening in 30 patients. The results proved that arthrocentesis is a very useful technique for treatment of acute closed lock of TMJ. However to arrive at a definitive conclusion a long term evaluation is required.

Microbiology of the white coat in a dental operatory.

BACKGROUND: It remains important to have a thorough knowledge of the micro-flora harboring the white coats of doctors to minimize cross-contamination and improve patient safety by reducing the risk of nosocomial infections. This study presents the microbiological analysis of the white coats in clinical departments of a dental college and hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The swabs for the study were taken from the white coats of undergraduate students posted in various clinical departments, interns, and the post-graduate students. The microbial contamination was studied by observing and recording the colony morphology on the culture plates, Gram's staining with light microscopic screening of the slides, and the biochemical characterization of the isolates using standard microbiology protocols. RESULTS: Microbiological analysis of swabs taken from the white coats in the dental operatory showed that 100% coats had bacterial contamination. Out of 30 swabs collected, 46 cultures were obtained. 50% cultures showed Gram-positive cocci, making it the major microbial group contaminating the white coats in the dental operatory. CONCLUSION: The presented study highlights the fact that the white coats are a potential source of cross infection. The results of this study mandate a strict audit process and protocols to be set in place for preventing cross-contamination from the white coats in a dental operatory.

Mandibular fracture scoring system: for prediction of complications.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular fractures are one of the most commonly encountered injuries in trauma clinics. Although several widely accepted classification systems exist, these are mostly region specific, differ in the classification criteria used, and are sometimes only correlated with specific treatment modalities, thereby making it impossible to uniformly and comprehensively document facial fracture patterns. In this study, we developed a modified scoring system for mandibular fractures and analyzed the relationship between scoring of fractures that were treated and the incidence of complications after surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the suitability of the proposed scoring system, a prospective study on a series of 116 patients was performed. All the fractures were classified using the proposed scoring system. The scoring was based on clinical and radiological evaluation of each fracture. Patients were followed up postoperatively for presence of complications. RESULTS: A good correlation between the proposed scoring system and the incidence of complications was detected. DISCUSSION: This scoring system for mandibular fractures facilitates an objective and standardized assessment of the degree of severity of a fracture, thereby allowing for systematic evaluation of facial fracture outcomes, including assessment of complications. However, it is our understanding that a multicenter study should be performed before the effectiveness of the proposed classification can be clearly stated.

Orofacial granulomatosis: a clinicopathologic correlation.

Orofacial granulomatosis is an uncommon disorder, but has been increasingly recognized in the past decade. It causes significant morbidity in the patient including oral ulcerations, enlargement of soft tissues which are often persistent and painful. This necessitates early medical intervention. We report one such case of a female patient who presented with a persistent upper lip enlargement. She had visited multiple general dental practitioners and general physicians but was undiagnosed. Ultrasonography proved an adjunctive tool in diagnosis. She was treated with a combination of topical and intra-lesional steroids. A 1-year follow-up did not show any evidence of recurrence.

Percutaneous closure of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms: intermediate term follow-up results.

AIMS: Surgical repair used to be the conventional treatment of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (RSOVA). Recently many articles have described the percutaneous closure of these defects. We report the successful percutaneous closure of seven cases of RSOVA. METHODS AND RESULTS: All the procedures were done under local anaesthesia with fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance. The defects were closed with nitinol ductal occluders introduced from the venous side after the establishment of an arteriovenous loop. Of the seven patients (four males, mean age 44.8+/-11 years), six had rupture of the congenital sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, and one had a recurrence following surgical repair. Out of the six patients with aneurysms of the right aortic sinus, four had rupture into the right atrium, one into the right ventricular (RV) inflow and the other into RV outflow. One patient had non-coronary sinus aneurysm rupturing into the right atrium. The size of the distal opening of the aneurysm varied from 2.5 to 12 mm. The left to right shunt flow ratio (Qp/Qs) ranged from 1.5 to 3.6. The size of the nitinol ductal occluders used to close the defects varied from 4 to 16 mm. After a mean follow-up period of 9.3+/-3 months, all patients remained asymptomatic with no residual flow, aortic valvar insufficiency, or evidence of infection. CONCLUSIONS: RSOVAs can be safely and effectively closed percutaneously using nitinol ductal occluders.

Carcinoma indiferenciado en el papiloma oncocítico Schneideriano. Una rareza / Undifferentiated carcinoma in oncocytic Schneiderian papilloma. A rarity

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