Craniofacial morphology of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate at two stages of skeletal maturation

Abstract The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional investigation was to perform a 3D analysis of craniofacial morphology of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) at two stages of skeletal maturation. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 52 UCLP patients (34 prepubertal; 18 pubertal) were collected from an outpatient referral center for the treatment of craniofacial deformities. In total 15 multiplanar craniofacial landmarks were identified, 3D virtual surface models were created, and 13 variables were measured to assess the 3D Euclidean distances between landmarks and spatial position of the landmarks in the projected X, Y and Z components. Maxillary and mandibular pitch (clockwise, counterclockwise) rotation relative to the cranial base was also evaluated. The significance level was set at 5%. Maxillary retrusion value relative to the cranial base was higher and statistically significant greater (p = 0.028) in pubertal (SNA, 77.4° ± 6.2; N-ANS Y, 3.3 mm ± 3.1) than in prepubertal patients (SNA 81.0° ± 5.2; N-ANS Y, 5.8 mm ± 2.7). The posterior cranial base length (S-Ba Y) was significantly longer (p = 0.013) in pubertal (20.7 mm ± 3.4) than in prepubertal patients (18.4 mm ± 2.7). The upper facial height (N-ANS Z) was significantly greater (p = 0.01) in pubertal (46.9 mm ± 4.5) than in prepubertal patients (43.4 mm ± 3.0). Prepubertal and pubertal UCLP patients presented distinct patterns of craniofacial morphology, mainly in the sagittal component of the maxilla and in the posterior cranial base length. Pubertal patients had greater maxillary retrusion and posterior cranial base length.

Panoramic Radiography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the Early Diagnosis of Atheroma in the Extracranial and Intracranial Internal Carotid Artery: A Case Report / Radiografía Panorámica y Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico en el Diagnóstico Precoz de Ateroma en la Arteria Carótida Interna, Extracraneal e Intracraneal: Reporte de Caso

ABSTRACT: Carotid stenosis usually results from the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery wall and is an important risk factor for ischemic cerebral vascular accident (CVA). This study describes the importance of diagnostic imaging exams used in dentistry for the early identification of atheroma plaques in the extracranial and intracranial internal carotid artery. A male patient was referred to a radiology clinic to perform panoramic radiography (PR) and a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to develop treatment plan options. In the PR and CBCT a radiopaque image, suggestive of atheroma in the extracranial internal carotid artery, was observed on the right side. The diagnosis was confirmed by color DOPPLER ultrasonography. In the CBCT, the presence of calcifications in the intracranial internal carotid artery was also observed. Diagnostic imaging exams used in dentistry allow the identification of asymptomatic individuals, facilitating early intervention and consequent reduction in the risk of ischemic CVA.

RESUMEN: La estenosis carotídea generalmente es consecuencia de la acumulación de placa aterosclerótica en la pared de la arteria carótida y es un factor de riesgo importante para el accidente cerebral vascular (ACV) isquémico. Este estudio describe la importancia de los exámenes de diagnóstico por imágenes utilizados en odontología para la identificación precoz de placas de ateroma en la arteria carótida interna, a nivel extracraneal e intracraneal. Un paciente masculino fue remitido a una clínica de radiología para realizar una radiografía panorámica (RP) y tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (TCHC) para analizar opciones de tratamiento. En el RP y TCHC se observó una imagen radiopaca, sugestiva de ateroma en la arteria carótida, extracraneal, en el lado derecho. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por ultrasonido DOPPLER color carotídeo. En el TCHC, también se observó la presencia de calcificaciones en la arteria carótida interna, intracraneal. Los exámenes de imagenología diagnóstica utilizados en odontología permiten la identificación de individuos asintomáticos, lo que facilita la intervención temprana y la consiguiente reducción en el riesgo de ACV isquémico.

Avaliação dos níveis de pressão sonora emitidos pelo aparelho de ressonância magnética / Study about the consequences of different sound pressure levels emitted by magnetic resonance imaging equipment

RESUMO Objetivo: mensurar o nível de pressão sonora emitido pelo aparelho de ressonância magnética em funcionamento e verificar as sensações auditivas descritas pelos indivíduos submetidos a este exame após a realização do mesmo. Métodos: foi realizada a mensuração do ruído produzido, durante a aquisição das imagens, por meio de um medidor de nível de pressão sonora (decibelímetro) e a aplicação de um questionário com a finalidade de verificar as sensações auditivas apresentadas por estes indivíduos após a realização do exame. Tal procedimento foi aplicado a 60 indivíduos submetidos ao exame de ressonância magnética do crânio. Resultados: o nível de pressão sonora média apresentada durante a realização do exame foi inferior ao nível de intensidade considerado como risco para lesões auditivas. No entanto, sensações como zumbido, ansiedade, plenitude auricular e alívio após o término do exame foram citados pelos indivíduos após a execução do mesmo. Conclusão: é pertinente o uso de protetores auriculares como medida preventiva para o controle do nível de ruído que atinge a cóclea do indivíduo, minimizando desta forma os efeitos físicos e psicossociais decorrentes da exposição ao ruído.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to measure the sound pressure level emitted by the magnetic resonance imaging in operation and check the auditory sensations described by individuals submitted to this examination after it has been carried out. Methods: the measurement of the deep noise was conducted during image formation in this examination, by means of sound pressure level meter (decibel meter) and the application of a questionnaire for the purpose of checking the hearing sensations presented by those individuals after the exam has been carried out. This procedure was applied to sixty individuals submitted to a magnetic resonance imaging of the skull. Results: it was found that the average of sound pressure level presented while the examination was carried out was lower than the level of intensity considered being a risk for auditory damages. However sensations like tinnitus, anxiety, auricular plenitude and relief after the end of the examination were mentioned by the individuals after it had been carried out. Conclusion: the use of hearing protectors is relevant as a preventive measure for controlling the level of noise that affects the individual's cochlea, thus minimizing the physical and psycho-social effects resulting from noise exposure.