Imaging Analysis of Onodi Cells on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract Introduction Onodi cells are the most posterior ethmoid air cells, and extend superolaterally to the sphenoid sinus. The identification of Onodi cells is essential to because they can have some significant anatomic variations and relationships to vital adjacent structures, like the optic canal, the sphenoid sinus, and the internal carotid artery. Objective The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of Onodi cells and their position with respect to sphenoid sinus. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study that uses cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess the prevalence and position of Onodi cells. Methods We collected CBCT scan records from November 1st, 2016, to July 31st, 2017; the patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the present study. The CBCT scans were reviewed by two independent observers. The descriptive statistics was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, SPSS, Inc., Chicago IL, US) software, version 17.0. A cross-tabulation of gender with the presence and position of Onodi cells was evaluated using the Chi-squared (χ2) test. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were evaluated using Kappa (κ) statistics. Results Onodi cells were identified in 86 (42.8%) out of 201 patients. A subgroup analysis revealed that Onodi cells were present in 45 (43.3%) female and 41 (42.3%) male patients. The position of the Onodi cells was superior with respect to the sphenoid sinus in 43 (50%) of the patients, superolateral in 36 (41.9%), and lateral to the sphenoid sinus in 7 (8.1%) of the patients. Conclusion The present study indicated a high prevalence of Onodi cells, with approximately equal distribution among males and females, and mostly superior in position in relation to the sphenoid sinus.

Attitude and awareness of general population towards radiation hazards and safety: An institutional study

Context: Radiological investigations play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of procedures. Aim: To assess the knowledge regarding adverse consequences of radiological examination and encourage awareness regarding radiation protection amongst general public. Settings and Design: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted amongst patients visiting the dental outpatient department. Materials and Methods: 1,000 adult male and female patients within the age of 20–70 years who visited the outpatient department during May–July 2017 were included in the study. Statistical Analysis: Comparison of frequencies of responses to each item with age and gender was done using chi square test. For all statistical tests, P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant, keeping α error at 5% and β error at 20%. Results: 85.3% participants had visited a hospital earlier and 69.3% had undergone the procedure of an X-ray earlier. Out of those patients, only 24.7% of the participants had any knowledge about the equipment or the procedure while taking a radiograph. 5.2% of the participants were given any safety measures during the radiological procedure. 14.4% had knowledge of the risks and hazards associated with radiation. Conclusions: This short study showed that there is a need for educating the general population about the hazards and risks associated with radiation exposure.

Comparison of oral manifestations with CD4 count in HIV-infected patients.

Aim and Objective: This study was carried out with the primary aim of correlating oral changes and general changes of HIV-infected patients with their CD4 count. Materials and Methods: 124 patients were selected, and after taking their informed consent, they were subjected to detailed history taking and thorough clinical examination. Specific oral lesions and general physical changes were recorded. Every patient was subjected to laboratory investigation for CD4 count. All these findings were tabulated. The clinical observation and laboratory findings were subjected to critical analysis and correlated. Statistical test, i.e. Student's " t" test, was applied and objective conclusions were drawn. Result: Out of 124 patients, 40 had oral candidiasis, 6 had oral hairy leukoplakia, 12 had periodontal disease, 20 had xerostomia, 30 had melanin pigmentation, while 4 had HSV2, and atypical ulceration. Out of 40 patients with oral candidiasis, 28 patients had CD4 count <200 (group A), 10 patients were in group, B (CD4 count 200-500 cell/mm 3 ) and 2 patients in group C(CD4 >500 cell/mm 3 ). Oral hairy leukoplakia occurred in equal proportions in group A and B. These periodontal diseases were more commonly in group B; xerostomia and melanin pigmentation was equally seen in group A and B. Conclusion: Oral candidiasis, oral hairy leukoplakia, linear gingival erythema, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, and necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis are specific oral indicators which will definitely suggest to the dental surgeon that the disease is running a rapid downhill course and due to this the oral physician is in a position to raise a suspicion and alert the general physician regarding the declining immune status of patient.