Evaluation of the Role of Oral Mucosal Direct Immunofluorescence and Salivary Desmoglein 1 and 3 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in Patients With Oral Mucosal Pemphigus.

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is characterized by antibodies against desmosomal adhesion proteins desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and 3 which can be detected by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Oral lesions usually precede cutaneous lesions and an early diagnosis can prevent mortality and morbidity. Dsg antibodies can be detected by ELISA in saliva of patients with oral mucosal pemphigus. This study compares oral mucosal DIF with the salivary Dsg1 and 3 ELISA. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 biopsy and/or DIF-proven PV patients with oral erosions without cutaneous lesions were included in the study. Biopsy of oral mucosa was taken for DIF by standard method. Saliva sample was obtained and processed for ELISA. The results were then compared. Results: Out of 26 patients, 22 (84.6%) had a positive oral mucosal DIF and four patients (15.4%) had negative DIF. Nine patients (34%) had positive salivary Dsg3 ELISA. Seven patients (27%) had positive salivary Dsg1 ELISA. Taking oral DIF as the gold standard, the sensitivity of salivary Dsg1 ELISA was 31.8% and of salivary Dsg3 ELISA was 40.9%. Conclusion: Although DIF is the gold standard for the diagnosis of PV, salivary Dsg1 and 3 ELISA can also be used in the diagnosis of oral pemphigus.

Versatile midfacial degloving approach in oral and maxillofacial surgery

OBJECTIVES@#Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must gain mastery of various approaches to the midface due to the increasing incidence, complexity, and severity of presenting midfacial fractures. Unlike in the case of other body parts, the need to preserve facial aesthetics makes it more difficult for the surgeon to select an approach for managing the facial injuries. The midfacial degloving (MFD) approach is a combination of intraoral and intranasal incisions made to access the midface without any external incision. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of MFD in maxillofacial surgery and to assess its advantages and complications.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#The MFD approach was used in five cases, with three cases treated with open reduction and internal fixation and two cases operated on for posttraumatic deformity. Nasal dorsum augmentation was completed in three cases and nasal osteotomy was performed in one case. The bicoronal flap technique was combined with MFD for frontal bone augmentation in one case. The intraoperative time required for flap completion and the ease of performing the planned procedures were noted. Postoperative evaluation was done for reduction, aesthetics, function, and complications.@*RESULTS@#Access was excellent for performing all planned procedures. Average time spent for flap elevation and exposure of the midface was 63 minutes. Complications like postoperative swelling, infraorbital nerve paresthesia, and intranasal crusting were all transient. No long-term complications like stenosis of the nose, sneer deformity, or weakness of the facial muscles were noticed. Additionally, no complications were noted when MFD was combined with bicoronal flap.@*CONCLUSION@#Though the MFD approach is technically demanding and takes more time than other facial approaches, it should be learned and applied by maxillofacial surgeons in selective cases, as it provides complete exposure of the midface without facial scarring.

Versatile midfacial degloving approach in oral and maxillofacial surgery

OBJECTIVES: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must gain mastery of various approaches to the midface due to the increasing incidence, complexity, and severity of presenting midfacial fractures. Unlike in the case of other body parts, the need to preserve facial aesthetics makes it more difficult for the surgeon to select an approach for managing the facial injuries. The midfacial degloving (MFD) approach is a combination of intraoral and intranasal incisions made to access the midface without any external incision. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of MFD in maxillofacial surgery and to assess its advantages and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MFD approach was used in five cases, with three cases treated with open reduction and internal fixation and two cases operated on for posttraumatic deformity. Nasal dorsum augmentation was completed in three cases and nasal osteotomy was performed in one case. The bicoronal flap technique was combined with MFD for frontal bone augmentation in one case. The intraoperative time required for flap completion and the ease of performing the planned procedures were noted. Postoperative evaluation was done for reduction, aesthetics, function, and complications. RESULTS: Access was excellent for performing all planned procedures. Average time spent for flap elevation and exposure of the midface was 63 minutes. Complications like postoperative swelling, infraorbital nerve paresthesia, and intranasal crusting were all transient. No long-term complications like stenosis of the nose, sneer deformity, or weakness of the facial muscles were noticed. Additionally, no complications were noted when MFD was combined with bicoronal flap. CONCLUSION: Though the MFD approach is technically demanding and takes more time than other facial approaches, it should be learned and applied by maxillofacial surgeons in selective cases, as it provides complete exposure of the midface without facial scarring.

Management of craniofacial osteitis deformans.

Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is a progressive chronic disease of unknown etiology, manifested as initial increase in bone resorption, followed by a disorganized and excessive formation of bone, resulting in pain and skeletal deformities. Treatment of the disease primarily aims at reducing the altered bone turnover by pharmacotherapy, along with surgical intervention for deformed bones, to reduce morbidity and improve the quality of living. We present a case of PDB with craniofacial involvement in a 55-year-old female, diagnosed on the basis of clinical features, radiological assessment along with biochemical findings and histopathological report. Our management included medical treatment in the form of intravenous bisphosphonates which alleviated symptoms by reducing the abnormal bone activity, and normalized serum alkaline phosphatase. Patient morale, self-confidence and social acceptance were all boosted due to the surgical correction of the facial deformity.