Radiation exposure with the NOMAD portable X-ray system.

OBJECTIVES: A new hand-held battery-operated portable X-ray system was tested for possible leakage radiation through the existing heavy metal compounds surrounding the X-ray tube, backscatter radiation through the lead-filled acrylic shield attached at the end of the exit tube and patient exposure. METHODS: Dose measurements were conducted using a DXTRR phantom and a water phantom. All measurements were recorded using calibrated thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD), calibrated Unfors Model 583L dosemeter, and a calibrated Radcal MDH model 1015 dosemeter. The settings for all exposure were 60 kVp, 2.3 mA and 0.25 s using Kodak Insight (Class F) film. RESULTS: All backscatter measurements, in front of the shield, behind the shield, at the finger of the operator, the operator's chest, eyes and gonads were significantly below the maximum permissible radiation leakage as per the United States Food and Drug Administration regulations (100 mR h(-1)). Our measurements indicate that the exposure would be well within the occupational maximum permissible dose for an occupationally exposed person. Film dose was consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations. As a result of our measurements, the State of New York Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection granted us a variance to use the NOMAD on a case-by-case basis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data have shown that the NOMAD presents risks that are no greater than with standard dental radiographic units to the patient or operator and the measured doses are well below recommended levels.

[Wegener's granulomatosis. The value of correct diagnosis and treatment]. / Ziarniniakowatosc Wegenera. Znaczenie wlasciwego rozpoznania i leczenia choroby.

Two cases of Wegener's granulomatosis are presented. The first case due to improper diagnosis died five months following initial clinical symptoms. The second case was diagnosed basing on clinical findings. Cyclophosphamide produced a quick and full remission. Both cases illustrate the need of proper diagnosis and introduction of treatment.

Parosteal osteogenic sarcoma of the mandible, Existence masked by diffuse periodontal inflammation.

A 38-year-old man was in a state of poor oral hygiene, with multiple broken carious teeth and diffuse inflammatory hyperplasia of the gingival tissues. A mandibular, alveolar soft tissue mass in the premolar-molar region was noted on the right side, in continuity with the gingival hyperplasia. Biopsy of the lesion ruled out a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent extraction of his teeth, and all hyperplastic tissues including the tumefaction were excised. Five months later, the patient had a recurrent mass in the same location that was removed via hemimandibulectomy. The mass was diagnosed as a parosteal osteogenic sarcoma.