Influence of psychometric and sleep quality features on painful mechanical sensitivity and pain modulation in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

Investigating the collective impact of psychometric properties and sleep quality on pain sensitivity in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients could improve clinical management strategies. OBJECTIVE: Assessing whether combined psychometric properties and sleep quality impact painful mechanical sensitivity and pain modulation in TMD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study using secondary data analysis of 77 TMD patients and 101 controls. All participants completed questionnaires characterizing their psychometric profile (anxiety, depression, stress and catastrophizing) and sleep quality, alongside psychophysical tests for painful mechanical sensory (mechanical pain threshold (MPT), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and wind-up ratio (WUR)) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Participants were grouped into "High distress" or "Low distress" categories based on psychometric properties and sleep quality using hierarchical cluster and k-means analyses. Multiple linear regression evaluated the influence of TMD, age, and the distress cluster on MPT, WUR, PPT, and CPM in masseter and thenar muscles. Differences were statistically significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: The presence of TMD was the strongest predictor of mechanical painful sensitivity in the trigeminal region (MPT[F(3,174) = 51.902;p < .001;R2 = .463]; TMD presence (ß = -.682) / PPT[F(3,174) = 15.573;p < .001;R2 = .198] TMD presence (ß = -.452), and extra-trigeminal (MPT[F(3,174) = 35.897;p < .001;R2 = .382] TMD (ß = -.647) / CPM [F(3,174) = 4.106;p < .05;R2 = .050] TMD presence (ß = .197). Furthermore, neither the high distress group nor the low distress group were able to significantly influence the variation of the values of any of the psychophysical variables evaluated (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: There is not a significant influence of impairment clusters based on psychological variables and sleep quality on painful mechanical sensitivity and pain modulation, regardless of the presence of TMD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This outcome suggests that psychosocial factors and sleep quality may not play a decisive role in the sensory-discriminative aspect of pain, particularly concerning painful TMD.

Assessment of temporomandibular joint bone changes associated with anterior disc displacement: An MRI cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the presence of bone changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement (ADD) with reduction (ADDWR) and without reduction (ADDWoR). METHODS: TMJ-MRI scans were screened for the presence of ADD. 285 scans presented ADD, being further divided into ADDWR (n = 188) and ADDWoR (n = 97). Bone changes on the mandibular condyle and articular eminence were also assessed and computed. The chi-square test compared the association of these bone changes with the presence of ADDWR and ADDWoR, with a significance level of 5 %. Also, the prevalence ratio (PR) was calculated. RESULTS: In the mandibular condyle, subchondral cyst (p = 0.035, PR = 1.08) and bone edema (p = 0.044, PR = 2.40), more prevalent on ADDWR, and generalized sclerosis (p = 0.015, PR = 1.04), more prevalent on ADDWoR, presented significant association with ADD. On the articular eminence, generalized sclerosis (p = 0.015, PR = 1.04) and articular surface flattening (p = 0.003, PR = 1.19) presented significant association with ADD, both more prevalent on ADDWoR. CONCLUSION: Bone changes are usual findings in TMJ with ADD diagnosis. The real influence of ADD is not fully clear, although clinicians should be aware of patients with this condition, to provide an early diagnosis and improve patient´s prognosis.

Experimental pain thresholds and psychosocial features across menstrual cycle in myofascial orofacial pain compared to healthy individuals: cross-sectional study / Limiares de dor experimental e características psicossociais ao longo do ciclo menstrual na dor miofascial orofacial em comparação com indivíduos saudáveis: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The hormonal impact on pain perception during the menstrual cycle is a major focus of study, and further elucidation in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) field is necessary. Thus, this cross-sectional study evaluated experimental pain thresholds, psychosocial features, and clinical pain report on TMD women across menstrual cycle versus healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 220 women's clinical files were screened, with 80 selected and divided into control group (healthy individuals, n=40) and TMD group (myofascial pain, n=40). Regarding the menstrual cycle phases, the files were divided into Pre-Luteal and Luteal. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Mechanical Pain Threshold (MPT), Wind-up (WUR), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were analyzed at a 5% significance level, by Two-Way ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: PSS and PCS were significantly different between TMD and control group (p<0.001), regardless of menstrual cycle. Healthy individuals in the Luteal phase presented higher MPT values compared to the other phases (p<0.001). PPT showed significant difference across menstrual phases (p=0.022), but no differences in multiple comparisons. VAS values showed no difference between menstrual cycle phases (p=0.376). CONCLUSION: Finally, healthy individuals in the Luteal phase have higher MPT and PPT values on the orofacial region. Pain report in patients with TMD showed no difference throughout the menstrual cycle, showing that small alterations on experimental pain thresholds may not be clinically relevant. The presence of chronic pain seems to be more related to psychosocial features than hormonal fluctuations.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O impacto do ciclo menstrual na percepção da dor é um foco importante de estudo, sendo necessária uma maior elucidação na disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). Assim, este estudo transversal avaliou limiares de dor experimental, características psicossociais e relatos de dor em mulheres com DTM ao longo do ciclo menstrual, comparadas com controles saudáveis. MÉTODOS: 220 prontuários de mulheres foram analisados, sendo 80 selecionados para os grupos de controle (saudáveis, n=40) e DTM (dor miofascial, n=40). Nas fases do ciclo menstrual, as pacientes foram divididas nas categorias Pré-Luteal e Luteal. Os instrumentos Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS), Escala de Pensamentos Catastróficos (PCS), Limiar de Dor Mecânica (MPT), Wind-up Ratio (WUR), Limiar de Dor à Pressão (PPT), Modulação Condicionada da Dor (CPM) e Escala analógica visual (EAV) foram analisados com nível de significância de 5%, pelos testes ANOVA de dois fatores e Tukey post hoc. RESULTADOS: As escalas PSS e PCS foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos DTM e controle (p<0,001), independentemente do ciclo menstrual. Indivíduos saudáveis na fase luteal apresentaram MPT maior em comparação com outras fases (p,0,001). O PPT mostrou diferença significativa entre as fases menstruais (p=0,022), sem diferença nas comparações múltiplas. Os valores da EAV não apresentaram diferença entre as fases menstruais (p=376). CONCLUSÃO: Indivíduos saudáveis na fase luteal têm MPT e PPTl maior na região orofacial. Os relatos de dor em pacientes com DTM não mostraram diferença ao longo do ciclo menstrual, indicando que pequenas alterações nos limiares experimentais podem ser clinicamente relevantes. A presença de dor crônica parece estar mais relacionada com características psicossociais do que com flutuações hormonais.

Correlation between the presence of the median perforating canal in adults with sex, age and skeletal facial patterns: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of the median perforating canal (MPC) and its morphometric measurements in Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scans of adult patients, correlating the findings with sex, age and skeletal facial patterns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 717 CBCT scans were selected from a Brazilian population and the presence of the MPC was recorded. MPC diameter was measured in three points: lingual, medial and buccal. To determine the correlation between MPC presence and sex, age and ANB angle classifications the Chi-square test was performed. MPC diameters were related to sex, age and skeletal discrepancies using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: Of the 717 CBCT scans analyzed, the MPC was present in 181 patients (25.24%), 279 (38.91%) men and 438 (61.09%) women. The mean age was 37.91 (±14.46) years old, ranging from 18 to 88 years old. There were no differences in the presence of MPC between women and men (p = 0.85), between skeletal discrepancies (p = 0.09) and age groups (p = 0.94). Regarding the MPC diameter, statistical difference was found only for the medial diameter between sexes (p = 0.04), with the highest values in men. CONCLUSION: The MPC was detected in 25.24% of the studied population, with significant differences only for its medial diameter in men.

Differential diagnosis for an unusual calcification in the maxillary sinus: case report / Diagnóstico diferencial para calcificação incomum em seio maxilar: relato de caso

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to report a rare case of an asymptomatic calcification of unusual size and shape, inside the maxillary sinus identified on a cone beam computed tomography exam and to discuss the importance of knowledge of the anatomy of maxillary sinus and its changes carefully evaluating the entire volume of the images, regardless of the region of interest. An 83-year-old female patient underwent a cone beam computed tomography exam for other diagnostic purposes in the maxillofacial region. When analyzing the entire volume, an image of unusual limits, hyperdense and calcified was found in the right maxillary sinus, close to the anterior and medial wall, with a rounded and homogeneous shape, occupying approximately one third of the maxillary sinus. There was no lytic or erosive lesions on the maxillary sinus wall. The main diagnostic hypotheses raised were giant anthrolith, mucous retention phenomenon and osteoma. Due to the anatomical complexity of the maxillary sinus, diagnosis in this region becomes a challenge. Considering the limitations of 2D exams, the cone beam computed tomography exam can be used to evaluate these structures. Knowledge of differential hypotheses is extremely important for the case to be conducted correctly, but it does not replace biopsy and histopathological examination.

RESUMO O objetivo desse estudo foi relatar um caso raro de uma calcificação assintomática de tamanho e formato incomum, no interior do seio maxilar, diagnosticado em um exame de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, além de discutir a importância do conhecimento da anatomia do seio maxilar e suas alterações, avaliando cuidadosamente todo o volume das imagens, independentemente da região de interesse. Paciente do sexo feminino, 83 anos de idade, realizou uma tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico para outros fins de diagnóstico na região bucomaxilofacial. Ao analisar todo volume da tomografia encontrou-se uma imagem de limites incomuns, hiperdensa e calcificada, no seio maxilar direito, próximo a parede anterior e medial, com formato arredondado e homogêneo, ocupando aproximadamente um terço do seio maxilar, com as suas paredes intactas e sem nenhuma lesão lítica ou erosiva. As principais hipóteses diagnosticas levantadas foram antrólito gigante, fenômeno de retenção mucoso e osteoma. Devido a complexidade anatômica do seio maxilar, o diagnóstico nessa região se torna um desafio. Considerando as limitações dos exames 2D, a tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico pode ser empregada para a avaliação dessas estruturas. O conhecimento do raciocínio diagnóstico e das hipóteses diferenciais são de extrema importância para o que o caso seja conduzido corretamente, porém não substituem a biópsia e o exame histopatológico.

What has Changed in the Daily Practice of the Dental Imaging Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

ABSTRACT: A new type of RNA coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) related to acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and responsible for COVID-19 disease has spread around the world, resulting in an unprecedented pandemic. COVID-19 has become an international public health emergency and countless people and sectors have been affected. In this context, individual and collective protection measures were taken, mainly in health care. Dentistry, considered a high risk area, had to undergo changes in relation to biosecurity, including in radiological clinical practice. Thus, this letter aims to comment on these changes during visits to dental imaging centers.

RESUMEN: Un nuevo tipo de coronavirus de ARN (SARS-CoV-2) relacionado con el síndrome respiratorio agudo (SARS) responsable de la enfermedad COVID-19 se ha extendido por todo el mundo y ha provocado una pandemia sin precedentes. COVID-19 se ha convertido en una emergencia de salud pública internacional y un sinnúmero de personas y sectores se han visto afectados. En este contexto, se tomaron medidas de protección individual y colectiva, principalmente en el ámbito de la salud. La atención dental, considerada de alto riesgo, tuvo que sufrir cambios en relación con la bioseguridad, incluida la práctica clínica radiológica. Así, esta carta tiene como objetivo comentar estos cambios durante los atendimientos a los centros de imagenología dental.

Influence of mandibular positioning on the accuracy and reliability of linear measurements on cone beam CT using different voxels and two software programs / Influência do posicionamento mandibular na acurácia e confiabilidade de medidas lineares em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico utilizando diferentes voxels e dois softwares

Objetivo: este estudo avaliou a acurácia e confiabilidadedas medidas lineares em exames detomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico(TCFC), em dois softwares, utilizando diferentesvoxels e variando o posicionamento da mandíbula.Material e Métodos: 10 imagens de TCFC demandíbulas humanas com 25 pontos foram obtidas,usando diferentes protocolos de aquisição(0.250, 0.300, 0.400-mm voxels) e orientações damandíbula (centralizada, rotacionada 10° lateralmentepara direita e esquerda, inclinada 10° para cima e para baixo); 14 medidas foram realizadasnas reconstruções multiplanares nos softwares XoranCate OsiriX. Os achados foram comparadoscom as medidas físicas através de um paquímetrodigital. O teste ANOVA e o coeficiente de correlaçãoforam utilizados com p < 0,05. Resultados:não houve diferença estatisticamente significantequando as medidas foram comparadas em aquisiçõescom diferentes tamanhos de voxels emambos os softwares. A posição da mandíbula nãoinfluenciou nas medidas. Nenhuma diferença foiencontrada quando os valores foram comparadosentre os softwares e o paquímetro digital. Conclusão:as medidas lineares em ambos os softwaresforam confiáveis e acurados comparados a mensuraçãofísica em todos os protocolos. A acuráciae a confiabilidade das mensurações não influenciaramde acordo com as variações de posicionamentoda mandíbula.(AU)

Objective: this study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of linear measurements on cone beam CT (CBCT) scans in two software programs, using different voxels and varying mandible positioning. Material and methods: CBCT images of 10 human mandibles with 25 markers were obtained using different acquisition protocols (0.250, 0.300, 0.400-mm voxels) and mandible orientations (centered, rotated 10° laterally to right and left, tilted 10 up and down); fourteen measurements were carried out on the multiplanar reconstructions in XoranCat and OsiriX Lite software programs. The findings were compared to physical measurements using a digital caliper. ANOVA and correlation coefficient tests were used, at α = 0.05. Results: there was no statistically significant difference when the measurements were compared in acquisitions with different voxel sizes analysed in both software programs. Mandibular positioning changes did not influence the measurements. No differences were found when the values were compared between the software programs and the digital caliper. Conclusion: linear measurements in both programs were reliable and accurate compared with physical measurements when using all acquisition protocols. The accuracy and reliability of the measurements were not influenced by variations in the mandible positioning.(AU)

Cone-beam computed tomographic study of the persistent foramen tympanicum according to age, sex, and skeletal patterns.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of prevalence, laterality and diameter of persistent foramen tympanicum (PFT) in cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans of adult patients with different sagittal skeletal patterns, sex and age. CBCT of 510 patients were assessed for the presence of PFT. Skeletal pattern, age and sex of the affected patients were recorded, as well as laterality and diameter of PFT. Differences were tested using the one-way ANOVA, chi squared and paired-t tests, at α=5%. A total of 49 (9.7%) patients presented with PFT; 36 (73.5%) were women (p<0.01) aging from 31-50 years (p>0.05), with Class III skeletal pattern (p>0.05). The unilateral/bilateral ratio was 3.9:1 (p<0.01). No correlation was found between the PFT diameters with sex and age, but differences were found between the classes, with the largest diameters in Class II individuals (p=0.046). The prevalence of PFT in CBCT scans was 9.7%, with women being more affected, with unilateral defects in most cases. Skeletal patterns did not have significant effects on PFT prevalence, although PFT diameter varied among classes, with higher measures in Class II individuals.