Invasive aspergillosis of the maxilla in an immunocompromised patient.

Patients who are immunocompromised have a high susceptibility to infection, which can be fatal. Studies have shown that patients receiving chemotherapeutic and adjunctive medications have inhibited inflammatory response to microbes, particularly those increasing the potential for the development of invasive infection. Aspergillus is a fungus often found in the atmosphere. Colonization of Aspergillus in the upper respiratory tract is common. In the immunocompromised patient, Aspergillus flavus is found to be the most frequent fungus cultured in the maxillary sinus. Because of the depressed immunologic state of the patient, A. flavus can differentiate into hyphal forms producing toxins that destroy epithelial tissues. Penetration of Aspergillus into connective and vascular tissue produces thrombosis and ultimately necrosis of hard and soft tissue.

Intraoral manifestation of thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease).

A case of thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) showing vascular lesions in the oral cavity is presented. To our knowledge, this is the first report of involvement of branches of the external carotid artery with this disease. The clinical, radiographic, plethysmographic, and histologic features of Buerger's disease are presented. Etiologic factors, pathogenesis, and treatment modalities are discussed.

Effect of stretching on the physical properties of stainless steel wire.

Stretching of 25-gauge stainless steel wire causes alterations in the physical properties of the wire. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength are increased and the elasticity is decreased. These alterations make stretched wire more satisfactory for maxillofacial surgical applications than unstretched wire.