Association between maxillary sinus pathology and odontogenic lesions in patients evaluated by cone beam computed tomography. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A study is made of the association between maxillary sinus pathology and odontogenic lesions in patients evaluated with cone beam computed tomography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was made in five databases and OpenGrey. Methodological assessment was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool for observational studies. The random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included in the qualitative review and 6 in the meta-analysis. Most presented moderate or low risk of bias. The periodontal disease showed to be associated with the thickening of the sinus membrane (TSM). Mucous retention cysts and opacities were reported in few studies. The presence of periapical lesions (PALs) was significantly associated to TSM (OR=2.43 (95%CI:1.71-3.46); I2=34.5%) and to odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) (OR=1.77 (95%CI: 1.20-2.61); I2=35.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of PALs increases the probability of TSM and OMS up to 2.4-fold and 1.7-fold respectively. The risk differences suggests that about 58 and 37 of out every 100 maxillary sinuses having antral teeth with PALs are associated with an increased risk TSM and OMS respectively. The meta-evidence obtained in this study was of moderate certainty, and although the magnitude of the observed associations may vary, their direction in favor sinus disorders appearance, would not change as a result.

Concept, diagnosis and classification of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws. A review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates (BPs) and other antiresorptive agents such as denosumab are widely prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis and are also used in patients with multiple myeloma and metastatic breast or prostate cancer for avoiding bone reabsorption and fractures that result in increased morbidity-mortality among such individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We made a bibliographic search to analyze the concept, diagnosis and the different classifications for bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws. RESULTS: Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is an important complication of exposure to BPs or other antiresorptive agents, and although its prevalence is low, it can pose management problems. The definition, diagnosis and classification of osteonecrosis have evolved since Marx reported the first cases in 2003. CONCLUSIONS: The present study offers a literature review and update on the existing diagnostic methods and classification of the disorder, with a view to facilitating earlier and more effective treatment.

Effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment in patients with periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis has been regarded as a potential risk factor for rheumatoid arthrosis (RA). A systematic review is made to determine whether nonsurgical periodontal treatment in patients with RA offers benefits in terms of the clinical activity and inflammatory markers of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search was made of the Medline-PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Scopus databases to identify studies on the relationship between the two disease processes, and especially on the effects of nonsurgical treatment in patients of this kind. The search was based on the following keywords: rheumatoid arthritis AND periodontitis (MeSH), rheumatoid arthritis AND periodontal treatment. RESULTS: Eight articles on the nonsurgical treatment of patients with periodontitis and RA were finally included in the study. All of them evaluated clinical (DAS28) and laboratory test activity (ESR, CRP, IL-6, TNFα) before and after treatment. A clear decrease in DAS28 score and ESR was recorded, while other parameters such as CRP, IL-6 and TNFα showed a nonsignificant tendency to decrease as a result of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Nonsurgical treatment improved the periodontal condition of patients with periodontitis and RA, with beneficial effects upon the clinical and laboratory test parameters (DAS28 and ESR), while other inflammatory markers showed a marked tendency to decrease. However, all the studies included in the review involved small samples sizes and follow-up periods of no more than 6 months. Larger and particularly longitudinal studies are therefore needed to more firmly establish possible significant relations between the two disease processes.

Complement activation product C4d in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Complement C4d-containing fragments have been proposed as diagnostic markers for lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of C4d in oropharyngeal (OPSCC) and oral (OSCC) squamous cell carcinomas. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: C4d staining was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 244 OPSCC surgical specimens. C4d levels were quantified by ELISA in resting saliva samples from 48 patients with oral leukoplakia and 62 with OSCC. Plasma samples from 21 patients with leukoplakia and 30 with oral carcinoma were also studied. RESULTS: C4d staining in OPSCC specimens was associated with nodal invasion (P = 0.001), histopathologic grade (P = 0.014), disease stage (P = 0.040), and focal-adhesion kinase expression (P < 0.001). No association was found between C4d and prognosis. Saliva C4d levels were higher in patients with oral cancer than in subjects with leukoplakia (0.07 ± 0.07 vs 0.04 ± 0.03 µg ml(-1) , P = 0.003). The area under the ROC curve was 0.63 (95%CI: 0.55-0.71). Salivary C4d levels in stage IV patients were higher than in patients with earlier stages (P = 0.028) and correlated with tumor size (P = 0.045). Plasma C4d levels also correlated with salivary C4d levels (P = 0.041), but differences between patients with oral cancer and subjects with leukoplakia were not significant (1.26 ± 0.59 vs 1.09 ± 0.39 µg ml(-1) , P = 0.232). CONCLUSION: C4d-containing fragments are detected in oral primary tumors and are increased in saliva from patients with OSCC.

Retrospective case-control study of viral pathogen screening in proliferative verrucous leukoplakia lesions.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to survey the presence of known oncoviruses in oral biopsies from patients diagnosed with the aetiologically undetermined proliferative verrucous leukoplakia and compare results to those from milder oral leukoplakia (OL) cases, oral squamous cell carcinoma, a common outcome of the lesions of interest, and healthy controls. DESIGN: Blind, retrospective, case-control study. SETTING: A stomatology unit in an academic Hospital and a Public Health laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients were divided in four groups. Ten patients had been diagnosed with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, 10 with OL and 10 with OSCC, and 10 were healthy subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence or absence of oncovirus DNA was assayed with the amplification of viral genetic markers using PCR and subsequent gel electrophoresis confirmation. Amplified fragments were sequenced and identified bioinformatically. RESULTS: No DNA from the herpesvirus, papillomavirus or polyomavirus species was detected in the samples. CONCLUSIONS: No association between proliferative verrucous leukoplakia and target viruses was detected. A higher throughput viral metagenomic approach may prove valuable for future analyses, as it would not be restricted to a priori knowledge of potential targets.

Post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy. A study of 63 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Trigeminal neuropathy is most often secondary to trauma. The present study explores the underlying causes and the factors that influence recovery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective case study was made involving 63 patients with trigeminal neuropathy of traumatologic origin, subjected to follow-up for at least 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of all cases were diagnosed after mandibular third molar surgery. In 37 and 19 patients the sensory defect was located in the territory innervated by the mental and lingual nerve, respectively. Pain was reported in 57% of the cases, and particularly among the older patients. Regarding patient disability, quality of life was not affected in three cases, while mild alterations were recorded in 25 subjects and severe alterations in 8. Partial or complete recovery was observed in 25 cases after 6 months, and in 32 after one year. There were few recoveries after this period of time. Recovery proved faster in the youngest patients, who moreover were the individuals with the least pain. CONCLUSION: Our patients with trigeminal neuropathy recovered particularly in the first 6 months and up to one year after injury. The older patients more often suffered pain associated to the sensory defect. On the other hand, their discomfort was more intense, and the patients with most pain and the poorest clinical scores also showed a comparatively poorer course.

Cytometric analysis of oral scrapings of patients with oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: Aneuploidy has been associated with malignant and premalignant oral lesions. In the past few years, its application in oral precancerous lesions and its prognostic meaning have been controversial issues. The aim of our study was to characterize alterations in DNA content by automated DNA image cytometry in oral scrapings of patients with oral lichen planus. METHODS: Cytological samples from 40 patients clinicopathologically diagnosed with oral lichen planus were analysed by DNA image cytometry. RESULTS: All the cases were classified as diploid, showing a predominant population of cells with normal DNA content (DNA index, 0.85-1.15). Atrophic/erosive lesions showed a higher percentage of tetraploid cells when compared with reticular/papular lesions but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Aneuploidy does not seem a common event in oral lichen planus lesions. However, we consider that the use of DNA image cytometry of oral scrapings may be an easy and helpful methodology in the follow-up of patients with these lesions.

Erythema multiforme: diagnosis, clinical manifestations and treatment in a retrospective study of 22 patients.

BACKGROUND: Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute disorder of the skin and mucosal membranes manifesting in the oral cavity (60-70% of all patients) as polymorphic erosive, ampullar, and bloodstained crusts. The etiology is unclear, although an autoimmune mechanism is involved. Infections and drugs have been implicated in the etiopathogenesis. With the exception of corticosteroids, no specific treatment for EM is available. METHODS: Data were collected on the clinical manifestations, antecedents of viral infection, and the use of drugs substances as possible etiological factors, treatment, and response to topical and systemic corticotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were studied (14 males and 8 females), with a mean age of 47±20.4 years. A relationship was clearly suspected between drug use and lesion outbreak in 6 patients (27.2%). On the contrary, in 7 patients (31.8%) the triggering factor could have been herpes virus infection (herpes labialis). One half of the patients (11 cases) were classified as presenting minor EM, 36.4% (8 cases) presented major forms of the disease, and 13.6% (3 cases) were classified as corresponding to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Systemic and/or topical corticosteroids proved effective in controlling the outbreaks in all of our patients. CONCLUSION: The oral mucosa is the most affected mucosal region in EM, with a predilection for the lip mucosa, erosive forms and bloodstained crusts. Systemic corticosteroids are effective in controlling the outbreaks, although their use as maintenance therapy is not clearly indicated.

Malignant lymphoma of the head and neck.

Malignant lymphomas represent approximately 5% of all malignant neoplasms of the head and neck area. They are classically divided into two subgroups, Hodgkin's lymphomas (HLs) and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs). We describe the clinical characteristics of head and neck lymphomas and the methods to establish the diagnosis. The World Health Organization classification of lymphoid tissues describes more than 50 different histological types, and we analyse the most common staging system for lymphomas, the Ann Arbor staging system. Finally, the different therapeutic approaches are discussed.

Oropharyngectomy without mandibulotomy in advanced stage (T3-T4) oropharyngeal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative course was excellent for this type of surgery, and the functional recovery was comparable to that obtained with much more laborious techniques. OBJECTIVES: To compare the advantages and disadvantages of the described technique and oropharyngectomy with labial mandibulotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 46 patients underwent surgery by means of an oropharyngectomy without mandibulotomy. The pharynx was reconstructed using a plasty made of four regional flaps. RESULTS: In addition to obvious esthetic benefits, complications of the osteotomy were absent and surgical time was reduced. Some patients undergoing pull-through oropharyngectomy also underwent a marginal mandibulectomy, markedly reducing the frequency of radionecrosis compared with other statistics of techniques using mandibulotomy.

Mitoxantrone as a contributing factor in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is usually initiated by dental surgery, but is occasionally exacerbated by other antiresorptive (denosumab) and anti-angiogenic therapies, and in such cases is currently termed medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ). The case of a 58-year-old female with breast cancer who developed multiple and ultimately fatal metastases despite 3 years of treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs and intravenous bisphosphonates, is presented herein. Her malignant disease worsened and she was started on mitoxantrone. She developed a severe adverse reaction to this drug soon after starting treatment. As well as diarrhoea and vomiting, she had a very aggressive gingival inflammation with multiple ulcerations in both jaws and wide areas of necrotic bone, affecting the attached gingiva, and seemingly unrelated to dental plaque. These ulcerations and the exposed necrotic bone persisted for more that 6 months, until her death. This report describes a case in which severe gingival ulcerations that occurred after mitoxantrone treatment for metastatic breast cancer were a local factor that initiated MRONJ.

Sclerosis in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and its correlation with the clinical stages: study of 43 cases.

We analysed the degree of sclerosis in the different stages of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) and studied the relation between the grade of sclerosis, the clinical symptoms, and the depth of lucency. We compared 43 patients with mandibular BRONJ with a control group of 40 cases with no bony lesions. The presence of sclerotic bone, cortical irregularities, radiolucency, fragmentation or sequestration, periostitis, and narrowing of the mandibular canal were studied from computed tomographic (CT) scans using the program ImageJ 1.47v (National Institute of Health, Bethesda, USA) to measure the radiolucency, width of the cortices, and degree of sclerosis. Patients with BRONJ had more severe sclerosis than controls (p<0.01). There was also a significant difference among the different stages of BRONJ, with the highest values found in stage III (p=0.02). The degree of sclerosis differed according to sex, type of bisphosphonate, and the clinical characteristics such as pain, or suppuration, but not significantly so (p>0.05). We conclude that the degree of sclerosis increases with the clinical stage of BRONJ, and is correlated with the depth of lucency.

Clinical comparison of dexketoprofen trometamol and dipyrone in postoperative dental pain.

A total of 125 outpatients with moderate to severe pain after surgical removal of one impacted third molar were randomly assigned to receive dexketoprofen trometamol 12.5 or 25 mg or dipyrone 575 mg. For first-dose assessments, patients rated their pain intensity and its relief at regular intervals. From 60 min post dose to the end of the 6-h observation period, both doses of dexketoprofen trometamol had higher pain relief scores than dipyrone: Between 3 and 6 h the differences were statistically significant. In addition, peak measures (PIDmax and PARmax) were statistically superior after both doses of dexketoprofen trometamol compared to dipyrone. The overall efficacy assessed at the end of the first-dose phase was rated as good or excellent by 90%, 83.3%, and 70% of patients receiving dexketoprofen trometamol 25 mg, dexketoprofen trometamol 12.5 mg, and dipyrone, respectively. The number of patients who required remedication during the 6-h period was significantly lower in both dexketoprofen groups. Repeated-dose data were also obtained. No significant differences were found in the efficacy after repeated doses, the number of doses taken, or the mean time elapsed between doses. The overall efficacy at the end of the repeated-dose phase was rated as good or excellent by 84.2%, 66.7%, and 70% of patients receiving dexketoprofen trometamol 25 mg, dexketoprofen trometamol 12.5 mg, and dipyrone, respectively. The frequency of adverse events was similar for all treatments and no serious adverse events were reported during the study.

Dental and periodontal lesions in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE: Dental erosion has been considered an extraesophageal manifestation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, but few reports have studied the relationship between this disease and other periodontal or dental lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental and periodontal lesions in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 253 subjects were prospectively studied between April 1998 and May 2000. Two study groups were established: 181 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and 72 healthy volunteers. Clinical assessment, including body mass index and consumption of tobacco and alcohol, was performed in all subjects, as well as a dental and periodontal examination performed by a dentist physician, blind as to the diagnosis of subjects. Parameters evaluated were: (a) presence and number of dental erosion, location and severity, according to the Eccles and Jenkins index [Prosthet Dent 1979;42:649-53], modified by Hattab [Int J Prosthes 2000;13:101-71; (b) assessment of dental condition by means of the CAO index; and (c) periodontal status analysed by the plaque index, the haemorrhage index, and gingival recessions. RESULTS: Clinical parameters were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Age was statistically associated with the CAO index, presence of dental erosion, and gingival recession (p < 0.001, Student's t-test). Compared with the control group, the percentage of dental erosion was significantly higher in the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease group (12.5 vs. 47.5%, p < 0.001, chi2-test), as was the number and severity of dental erosions (p < 0.001, Student's t-test). Location of dental erosion was significantly different between groups. Age was not statistically related to either the amount or severity of dental erosion. CAO and periodontal indices were similarly distributed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dental erosion may even be considered as an extraesophageal manifestation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The fact that the prevalence of caries and periodontal lesions is similar in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and in healthy volunteers suggests a lack of relationship with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Periodontal disease in HIV seropositive patients and its relation to lymphocyte subsets.

This study was performed to determine the type of periodontal pathology found in a group of HIV+ patients and its relation to serum levels of CD4. The sample consisted of 101 individuals: intravenous drug users (84%), homosexuals (7%), and heterosexuals (10%). Each patient was examined clinically and radiographically. Periodontal clinical parameters included gingival index and probing depth and loss of attachment on four sites per tooth. Severity of disease was defined as the most severe lesion found: gingivitis, or early, moderate, or advanced periodontitis. CD4 counts were determined on 64 of these patients. Associations between severity of the disease and gender and CD4 counts were analyzed using the Mantel Haenszel chi square test, while associations between severity and age and CD4/CD8 ratio were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. No disease was found in 14.8% of the sample, gingivitis was found in 21.8%, early periodontitis in 43.6%, moderate periodontitis in 10.9%, and advanced periodontitis in 8.9%. Linear gingival erythema (LGE) was seen in 17.8% of all patients and necrotizing periodontitis (NUP) in 4.9%. No statistically significant differences were observed between the severity of the disease and CD4 counts.

Highly aggressive brown tumour of the maxilla as first manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism.

A case is presented of a 62-year-old man with a right maxillary swelling for the previous three months. The lesion was expansive and osteolytic, with invasion of the adjacent maxillary sinus, nasal and pterygomaxillary fossae and floor of the orbit. Histology revealed the presence of an intrabony giant cell lesion. Blood tests demonstrated elevations in calcium (16.2 mg/dl) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations (841 pg/ml). This suggested the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism initially manifesting as a brown tumour of the maxilla. Posterior explorations confirmed the existence of an underlying ectopic parathyroid adenoma as the cause of the condition.

Cluster headache and cocaine use.

We present 3 patients who had episodes of orofacial pain compatible with cluster headache, the differential diagnosis being established with pulp pain of dental origin. Cocaine inhalation triggered pain in the premolar zone of the upper jaw, followed by spread of pain to the periorbital region on the same side. The pain episodes were very intense and lasted between 30 and 120 minutes. The patients presented conjunctival injection and lacrimation of the affected eye during these episodes. The crises were always unilateral. In one patient, pain shifted sides from one crisis to another within the same symptomatic or cluster period, affecting the side through which the drug was inhaled. Pain usually appeared 1 to 2 hours after cocaine consumption, though it disappeared 5 to 10 minutes after again inhaling the drug. None of our patients acknowledged cocaine consumption at the first visit; drug inhalation was only admitted at subsequent visits, once a degree of confidence had been established with the physician.

Relationship between oral surgical and endodontic procedures and episodic cluster headache.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the possible relationship between oral surgery and endodontic procedures and the subsequent appearance of cluster headache (CH) in 54 patients. STUDY DESIGN: This study included 54 patients diagnosed and treated for episodic CH. The characteristics of pain, the extractions, and the endodontic procedures performed in the same or a contralateral quadrant were recorded and analyzed by using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Prior tooth extraction or endodontics had been performed in the pain-affected quadrant in 58% of cases and in the contralateral quadrant in 33%. The differences between quadrants were statistically significant. After the onset of pain, extractions were performed in the affected quadrant in 44% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although the appearance of pain after dental extraction could suggest a relationship between damage to the nerve supply and the development of CH, the possibility that dental extraction and endodontics may have been performed in response to CH-related pain must also be taken into account. With respect to the differential diagnosis of pain, it is easy for CH to be misdiagnosed as dental pulp pain.

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis restricted to the oral mucosa.

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis comprises a group of disorders with Langerhans' cell proliferation as a common feature. The clinical presentation might be highly varied. Typically, there is bone involvement and, less frequently, lesions might be found in other organs, particularly the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, skin, and mucosae. Lesions limited to the oral mucosa are rare. We describe two patients with unifocal eosinophilic granuloma exclusively limited to the oral mucosa. Triamcinolone acetonide infiltration of a palatal lesion yielded a good result in one patient. Six months later, a similar lesion developed in the mandibular gingival mucosa, but it responded to the same treatment. The lesion in the other patient responded to local radiotherapy.

Oral hygiene and postoperative pain after mandibular third molar surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between oral hygiene before surgery and pain, inflammation, and trismus after the surgical removal of 190 impacted lower third molars. STUDY DESIGN: Patient hygiene was assessed by the simplified oral hygiene index. The maximum active interincisal oral opening was determined before surgery by using a millimeter scale, from the upper incisive edge to the lower incisive edge. Pain and inflammation were in turn recorded in written form by each patient 2, 6, and 12 hours after the operation and every day thereafter for 7 days. RESULTS: Maximum postoperative pain was recorded 6 hours after extraction, with peak inflammation after 24 hours. The patients with the poorest oral hygiene reported higher pain levels throughout the postoperative period and more analgesic consumption in the first 48 hours. In contrast, oral hygiene appeared to exert no influence on either trismus or inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Poor oral hygiene before the surgical removal of 190 impacted lower third molars is correlated with greater postoperative pain.