Assessment of the efficacy of digital panoramic radiographs in analyzing changes in bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

Introduction: Osteoporosis is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a 'progressive systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass, microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, a consequent increase in bone fragility, and susceptibility to fracture. The maxilla and mandible are also affected by osteoporotic changes and these may be visualized using an Orthopantomogram. Aims and Objectives: To determine the radiomorphometric indices in the digital orthopantomograms, to determine the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and femur using DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan, to compare the measured indices between the BMD categories and to assess the correlation of these indices with the measured BMD. Materials and Methods: The study population included 30 postmenopausal female patients. The BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and at the femur and the patients were divided into three groups of 10 subjects based on their BMD status (normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis). The patients were then subjected to panoramic radiography and four panoramic indices were assessed (simple visual estimation, mandibular cortical index, mental index, and antegonial index). The measured indices were compared between the three BMD categories. The correlation between the indices and the BMD was also observed. Results: The measured indices showed significant difference among the BMD categories. The quantitative indices also demonstrated a positive correlation with the measured BMD of the lumbar spine and the femur. Conclusion: Panoramic radiography may be used as a diagnostic tool for screening and identifying subjects who are likely to have osteoporosis.

Herpes Zoster with Post Herpetic Neuralgia Involving the Right Maxillary Branch of Trigeminal Nerve: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Herpes Zoster (HZ) is an acute, self-limiting, neuro cutaneous viral infection caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) that remains latent in the dorsal root ganglion. About 50% of occurrence is seen in older age groups and immunocompromised patients. Less than 5% occur in children. HZ is characterized by the unilateral pain, burning and tingling sensation followed by the vesicular eruptions limited to the single dermatome that are innervated by the single cranial ganglion, sometimes it leads to Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN). We report a case of a HZ in a 22-year-old young female patient involving the right maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve along with PHN.