Age estimation using dental periapical radiographic parameters. A review and comparative study of clinically based and regression models with the Operation Desert Storm victims.

A brief discussion of teeth and aging is followed by a review of the first four studies by our group at Temple University. In the present study, periapical, postmortem radiographs taken with the bisecting-angle technique from U.S. armed forces personnel killed during Operation Desert Storm were analyzed for age estimation. A total of 74 sets of dental radiographs (52 complete and 22 incomplete) with documented age of the individual at the time of death recorded were examined by investigators (D.R.M. and J.V.E.), who were blind to age range and specific ages of the victims. Comparisons were made between the same clinically based and multiple regression models used in a previous study of age estimation from private dental practice patients in which the long-cone radiographic technique had been used. Age estimation for both models was based on the same radiographic parameters used in that previous study (13 for the clinical model and eight for the regression model). Results showed that, in contrast to that previous study, the clinical model was superior to the regression model. Mean difference between estimated and actual age was +/- 4.4 years (clinical) and +/- 6.3 years (regression). Median difference between estimated and actual age was +/- 2.0 years (clinical) and +/- 6.0 years (regression). Mode difference between estimated and actual age was +/- 2.0 years (clinical) and +/- 6 and 7 years (regression). The results from the present study show that the clinical and regression models developed from full-mouth series of periapical radiographs taken of living patients by the long-cone radiographic technique can be used with decedents' radiographs taken with the bisecting-angle technique.

[Sex linked mental deficiency, unusual facies, macroorchidism and fragile site on chromosome X (author's transl)]. / Débilité mentale liée au sexe, visage particulier, macroorchidie et zone de fragilité de l'X.

The association of mental deficiency, macroorchidism, and a fragile site on chromosome X [fra (X)(q28) is reported in a 13-year-old boy who also exhibits a peculiar facies reminescent of trisomy 8. This particular facies is considered part of the clinical syndrome associated with the fra(X)(q28). The fra(X)(q28) was not found in the mother nor in two normal sibs of the propositus. The significance of the marker is discussed in view of two hypotheses, close linkage between pathological gene(s) and the fra(X)(q28) and faulty transcription of the gene(s) beyond the tra(X)(q28).

[Intestinal obstruction with feces (meconium ileus equivalent) in the course of mucoviscidosis. Radiographic diagnosis (author's transl]. / Iléus fécal (iléus méconial équivalent) au cours de la mucoviscidose. Diagnostic radiologique.

Meconium ileus equivalent is a late intestinal occlusion occurring in patients suffering from mucoviscidosis. Three cases are reported in children aged, respectively, 3 years, 6 years and 10 years. In one of the observations (three year old girl), the intestinal obstruction with feces was first manifestation of a mucoviscidosis that was previously undetected. The radiological signs are identical to those found in cases of neonatal meconium ileus: intestinal obstruction and accumulation of closely spaced matter in a distended ileum (terminal part). As in cases of meconium ileus without complications, treatment consisted of enemas with water-soluble products. The high osmotic pressure of these products made it possible to remove the obstruction.

[The mucocutaneous and lymph node syndrome of Kawasaki. 1 case complicated by multiple aneurysms]. / Le syndrome cutanéo-muqueux et ganglionnaire de Kawasaki. A propos d'une observation compliquée d'anévrysmes multiples.

We report in a five month old baby a case of the cutaneomucosal and lymph node syndrome described by Kawasaki, remarkable for the onset of multiple aneurysms involving the coronary and the limb arteries. This syndrome has rarely been observed except in Japan where it seems frequent. Possibly is benign forms, without heart complications, producing a picture of febrile erythema of viral type, have not received sufficient attention. The relationship between Kawasaki's disease and periarteritis nodosa in infants is then discussed. The clinical and pathological existence of the fatal forms seems undoubted, but the generally benign course of Kawasaki's disease contrasts with the severe course of polyarteritis nodosa in infants. It is possible that the usually benign forms of Kawasaki's disease represent only the initial stage of periarteritis nodosa in infants, from which they may recover, and we have only identified until now the severe forms which are rapidly fatal. The etiology of Kawasaki's syndrome, like periateritis nodosa remains unknown.