Five-year change of panoramic radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimension values in type 2 diabetes patients.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by dysregulation of glucose metabolism, with characteristic long-term complications accompanied by changes in bone quality. The purpose of this study is to compare the results with a control group by performing radiomorphometric analyses on panoramic radiographs obtained 5 years apart to examine changes in the mandibular bone cortex and microstructures of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS: Two panoramic radiographs that were taken 5 years (mean 5.26 ± 0.134) apart from 52 patients with T2DM (n:26) and a control group (n:26) were used. A total of 104 images were evaluated. Analyses were done from the condyle (FD1), angulus (FD2), distal second premolar apex (FD3), and anterior to the mental foramen (FD4) for fractal dimension (FD) in the mandible. Symphysis index (SI), anterior index (AI), molar index (MI), posterior index (PI), and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) measurements were taken for cortical analysis. Three-way ANOVA, three-way robust ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and two-way robust ANOVA tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS: After a 5-year period, there was a significant decrease in all FD measures of the mandible in both T2DM and control groups (p < 0.05). This resulted in a statistical difference in the main effect of time. After a 5-year period, no significant difference in mandibular cortical measures was identified between the T2DM and control groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to panoramic radiography, the mandibular trabecular structure deteriorated after 5 years, whereas cortical values remained the same. It concluded that T2DM had no effect on these results.

Morphometric and morphological evaluation of mastoid emissary canal using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine mastoid emissary canal's (MEC) and mastoid foramen (MF) prevalence and morphometric characteristics on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to underline its clinical significance and discuss its surgical consequences. METHODS: In the retrospective analysis, two oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyzed the CBCT images of 135 patients (270 sides). The biggest MF and MEC were measured in the images evaluated in MultiPlanar Reconstruction (MPR) views. The MF and MEC mean diameters were calculated. The mastoid foramina number was recorded. The prevalence of MF was studied according to gender and side of the patient. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MEC and MF was 119 (88.1%). The prevalence of MEC and MF is 55.5% in females and 44.5% in males. MEC and MF were identified as bilateral in 80 patients (67.20%) and unilateral in 39 patients (32.80%). The mean diameter of MF was 2.4 ± 0.9 mm. The mean height of MF was 2.3 ± 0.9. The mean diameter of the MEC was 2.1 ± 0.8, and the mean height of the MEC was 2.1 ± 0.8. There is a statistical difference between the genders (p = 0.043) in foramen diameter. Males had a significantly larger mean diameter of MF in comparison to females. CONCLUSION: MEC and MF must be evaluated thoroughly if the surgery is contemplated. Radiologists and surgeons should be aware of mastoid emissary canal morphology, variations, clinical relevance, and surgical consequences while operating in the suboccipital and mastoid areas to avoid unexpected and catastrophic complications. CBCT may be a reliable imaging diagnostic technique.

Convolutional Neural Network Performance for Sella Turcica Segmentation and Classification Using CBCT Images.

The present study aims to validate the diagnostic performance and evaluate the reliability of an artificial intelligence system based on the convolutional neural network method for the morphological classification of sella turcica in CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) images. In this retrospective study, sella segmentation and classification models (CranioCatch, Eskisehir, Türkiye) were applied to sagittal slices of CBCT images, using PyTorch supported by U-Net and TensorFlow 1, and we implemented the GoogleNet Inception V3 algorithm. The AI models achieved successful results for sella turcica segmentation of CBCT images based on the deep learning models. The sensitivity, precision, and F-measure values were 1.0, 1.0, and 1.0, respectively, for segmentation of sella turcica in sagittal slices of CBCT images. The sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and F1-score were 1.0, 0.95, 0.98, and 0.84, respectively, for sella-turcica-flattened classification; 0.95, 0.83, 0.92, and 0.88, respectively, for sella-turcica-oval classification; 0.75, 0.94, 0.90, and 0.83, respectively, for sella-turcica-round classification. It is predicted that detecting anatomical landmarks with orthodontic importance, such as the sella point, with artificial intelligence algorithms will save time for orthodontists and facilitate diagnosis.

In vitro Comparison of Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Ultrasonography Imaging Methods in the Evaluation of Artificial Mandible Intraosseous Lesions.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Intraosseous lesions of jaws can be imaged by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and ultrasonography (USG). The knowledge of imaging features of these two methods about intraosseous jaw lesions is important for dental radiology. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate artificial mandible intraosseous lesions by using CBCT and USG. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this in vitro study, intraosseous lesions containing water, milk, olive oil, and liver were evaluated in 60 artificial mandibles by using CBCT and USG. Lesion sizes were compared between CBCT and USG. Lesion sizes were measured on the anterior-posterior, bucco-lingual, and superior-inferior sides. Hounsfield unit (HU) values of the lesions in CBCT images were compared between different materials. Echogenicity of the lesions were evaluated in USG images. One sample t and one-way Anova tests were used for the statistical analysis of the study (p< 0.05). RESULTS: In all size measurements of the lesions, mean CBCT values were statistically higher when compared with USG. In CBCT images, statistically difference was found between the HU values of lesions containing olive oil and other lesion contents. In USG images, echogenicity of water, milk and olive oil was found to be anechoic and the echogenicity of liver was found to be hypoechoic. CONCLUSION: CBCT was found to be more accurate than USG in measurement of the size of mandibular intraosseous lesions. According to the results of our study, it was thought that only oil content could be differentiated by using CBCT HU values. It was found that lesions with liquid and non-liquid contents could be differentiated with their echogenicity difference in USG images.

Sphenoid sinus agenesis and sella turcica hypoplasia: very rare cases of two brothers with Hamamy syndrome.

Hamamy syndrome (HS) is an autosomal recessive syndrome with a genetic origin that is very rarely observed. The syndrome with craniofacial dysmorphisms, including midface prominence, severe telecanthus, sparse lateral eyebrows, protruding ears, fronto-nasal abnormalities, lacrimal-salivary apparatus agenesis, thin upper vermillion border, myopia, mental retardation, sensorineural hearing impairment, congenital heart anomalies with intraventricular conduction delay, hypochromic microcytic anaemia and skeletal abnormalities of the long bones with recurrent fractures. In this paper, we report a case of two brothers diagnosed with HS at the ages of 25 and 18 years, visited out clinic at different times due to dental reasons. In the radiological examinations, it was observed that both brothers have sphenoid sinuses agenesia, and their sella turcica were smaller than normal. HS may be observed very rarely, and it should be kept in mind that, in addition to various symptoms, it may also cause sphenoid sinus agenesis and sella turcica hypoplasia as shown for the first time in this case report.

Cone beam computed tomography imaging of superior semicircular canal morphology: a retrospective comparison of cleft lip/palate patients and normal controls.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the prevalence and morphological characteristics of the superior semicircular canal (SSCC) in cleft lip and palate (CL/P) patients using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of 53 CL/P patients (28 males and 25 females) and a control group of 76 patients (42 males and 34 females) were evaluated. Retrospectively, 258 temporal bone images from 129 patients were evaluated in terms of SSCC morphology and divided into a normal pattern (0.6-1.7 mm in thickness), a papyraceous pattern (<0.5 mm), a thick pattern (>1.8 mm), a pneumatized pattern and dehiscent. The chi-squared test was used to compare differences among semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) patterns in the CL/P and control groups; p ≤ .05 was taken to reflect statistical significance. RESULTS: The characteristics of the SSCC were evaluated on CBCT images in patients with CL/P and controls. In total, 158 (61%) cases were normal (0.6-1.7 mm in thickness), 31 (12%) papyraceous (<0.5 mm), 8 (3%) thick, and 34 (13%) pneumatized. SSCD was observed in 27 (11%) cases. Statistically significant differences between the CL/P and control groups were evident in terms of SSCC morphology (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: SSCD should be considered if a CL/P patient exhibits a vestibular system deficiency. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists should pay attention to SSCD when interpreting CBCT images. Future studies should use high-level spatial resolution CBCT to focus on cleft site and SSCC morphology in larger patient populations.

Examination of Nasolacrimal Duct Morphometry Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip/Palate.

OBJECTIVE: The cleft lip/palate (CLP) deformity negatively affects the anatomy of the nasal cavity and maxilla. The effects of this deformity on the lacrimal system have been unidentified yet. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric changes in the nasolacrimal duct using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with unilateral CLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective bilateral measurements of the narrowest transversal diameters and the lengths of the nasolacrimal ducts were made for the affected and unaffected sides of 28 patients with CLP and 28 control patients, using the CBCT images. The measurements were statistically compared. RESULTS: The mean narrowest transversal diameter of the nasolacrimal duct for the affected side of the patients with unilateral CLP was statistically significantly narrower than the unaffected side (P = 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the control group and the affected and unaffected sides of patient group with unilateral CLP regarding the nasolacrimal duct diameter. The differences were not statistically significant among all groups regarding the mean nasolacrimal duct length. CONCLUSION: The diameter of the nasolacrimal duct at the affected side of unilateral CLP was narrower than the unaffected side. According to this result, the CLP deformity can have an effect on the nasolacrimal duct diameter. However, CLP might not affect the nasolacrimal duct length.

Cone beam computed tomography imaging of ponticulus posticus: prevalence, characteristics, and a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of ponticulus posticus (PP) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to describe the radiologic characteristics of the detected cases. STUDY DESIGN: The presence and types of PP were investigated on 730 CBCT images. RESULTS: PP was found in 17.4% (127) of the 730 CBCT scans. Of these 127 patients, 79 (10.8%) had bilateral PP and 48 (6.6%) had unilateral PP. Male predominance was found with a prevalence of 19.5% (54 of 277) and female prevalence was 16.1% (73 of 453). The prevalence of PP increased with age; the highest prevalence of PP was seen in those who were 49 to 81 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that PP is not an uncommon anatomic variation and is a natural incidental finding on CBCT.

Morphometric and morphologic evaluation of the mental foramen in relation to age and sex: an anatomic cone beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the vertical and horizontal position, angle, and diameter of the mental foramen (MF) according to sex and age by cone beam computed tomography in a Turkish patient population. METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography records of 192 consecutive patients consisting of 106 women and 86 men were examined, retrospectively. The vertical and horizontal positions of MF, angle and diameter of MF, and distance from MF to the alveolar crest and the base of the mandible were evaluated with respect to sex and age groups. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the distance of MF to the alveolar crest according to age groups. When we compared the right and left sides, we have only found out statistically significant differences in the angles of MF and that it was higher in the left side. CONCLUSIONS: From our results, the detection of the position of MF can provide detailed information for preoperative treatment planning (for surgery and dental implant surgery procedures), especially in the mandibular premolar region.

Radiographic evaluation of third-molar development in relation to the chronological age of Turkish children in the southwest Eastern Anatolia region.

To study the chronological age of third-molar mineralisation of Turkish children from the southwest Eastern Anatolia region, the Demirjian staging method was used to determine the stage of the mineralisation of four third molars (18, 28, 38 and 48) and to compare third-molar development by sex and age with the results of previous studies. The study comprised 832 Turkish children from the southwest Eastern Anatolia region aged 6-16 years based on radiological evidence from digital orthopantomograms. The mean age of the 832 patients was 11.03±1.98 years, with 424 males (mean age, 10.97±1.97) and 408 females (mean age, 11.09±2.00). The orthopantomograms were scored by two observers. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test used to assess intra- and inter-observer assessment revealed strong agreement between both observers' measurements. Statistical analysis of the association between sex and age was performed with the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Wilcoxon test. Regression analysis was performed to obtain regression formulae for calculating the dental and the chronological age. The statistical analysis showed a strong correlation between age and third-molar development in males (R(2)=0.61) and females (R(2)=0.63). New equations (age=7.49+0.69, development stage (DS) 38+0.70, DS18) were derived for estimation of the chronological age. The results showed that there was no significant difference in mineralisation between 18 and 28 and 38 and 48 in males or females. For both sexes, the dental age was lower than the chronological age. Males reached the developmental stages earlier than females. In the whole population, the boys' and the girls' dental ages were 0.84 years and 0.16 years earlier, respectively, than their chronological ages. The use of third-molar teeth as a developmental marker is suitable, particularly when comparing the obtained standard deviation with other skeletal-age calculation techniques.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the oral cavity: a case report.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a tumor of skeletal muscle origin, is the most common soft tissue sarcoma encountered in childhood and adolescence. The common sites of occurrence are the head and neck region, genitourinary tract, retroperitonium, and, to a lesser extent, the extremities. In the head and neck region, the most commonly affected sites are the orbit, paranasal sinuses, soft tissues of the cheek, and the neck. RMS is relatively uncommon in the oral cavity, and the involvement of the jaws is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of oral RMS in a 13-year-old child and describe the clinical, radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings.

Correlation between oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL)and oral disorders in a Turkish patient population

Objectives: The purpose of the present study is to determine the nature of the complaints that bring patients toour clinic and to what degree these complaints affect their quality of life (QoL). We also aimed to determine anyassociations between gender, education or harmful habits and each patient’s oral health-related quality of life(OHQoL). Methods: A total of 1090 patients, consisting of 651 females (59.7 %) and 439 males (40.3 %), were includedin this study. Of these patients, 220 constituted healthy controls. Two patient-centered outcome measures,the 14 item OHIP-14 and the 16 item OHQoL-UK measures were used. Results: Most of the patients presentedwith toothache and caries (50.1 %), 11.2 % had suffered tooth loss and had denture needs, 9.2 % had periodontalproblems, 1.8 % had temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, 3.8 % had buried third molars, 2.4 % hadorthodontic and aesthetic disorders, 1.3 % had suffered injury due to trauma, and 20.2 % came only for controlcheckups. OHQoL was best in the control group and the worst in patients who had suffered trauma. In addition,we noted correlations between gender, education and harmful habits, and that of the patient’s oral health-relatedquality of life. Conclusion: According to our results, OHQoL is associated with the oral complaints of patients.Furthermore, OHQoL may not only be associated with the oral health status of patients, but factors such as gender,education and harmful habits may also play a role (AU)

Correlation between oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) and oral disorders in a Turkish patient population.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to determine the nature of the complaints that bring patients to our clinic and to what degree these complaints affect their quality of life (QoL). We also aimed to determine any associations between gender, education or harmful habits and each patient's oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL). METHODS: A total of 1090 patients, consisting of 651 females (59.7 %) and 439 males (40.3 %), were included in this study. Of these patients, 220 constituted healthy controls. Two patient-centered outcome measures, the 14 item OHIP-14 and the 16 item OHQoL-UK measures were used. RESULTS: Most of the patients presented with toothache and caries (50.1 %), 11.2 % had suffered tooth loss and had denture needs, 9.2 % had periodontal problems, 1.8 % had temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, 3.8 % had buried third molars, 2.4 % had orthodontic and aesthetic disorders, 1.3 % had suffered injury due to trauma, and 20.2 % came only for control checkups. OHQoL was best in the control group and the worst in patients who had suffered trauma. In addition, we noted correlations between gender, education and harmful habits, and that of the patient's oral health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: According to our results, OHQoL is associated with the oral complaints of patients. Furthermore, OHQoL may not only be associated with the oral health status of patients, but factors such as gender, education and harmful habits may also play a role.