Prevalence of taurodontism in premolars among patients at a tertiary care institution in Trinidad

OBJECTIVES: A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of taurodontism in premolars in a group of adult dental patients in Trinidad and Tobago since there is no such data available for the region. METHODS: Periapical and orthopantomograms of 1090 randomly selected patients were examined for the presence of an apically displaced pulp chamber without the usual constriction at the cementoenamel junction. RESULTS: Prevalence of taurodontism in a sample of 1090 patients was 11.28%. Of the 5324 premolars examined, 4.79% were taurodonts. Prevalence of taurodontism was higher in males (6.46%) compared to females (3.66%). A Statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was observed in the prevalence of taurodontism in mandibular premolars compared to maxillary premolars (9.07% vs 0.56%). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of taurodontism in premolars among Trinidadian patients, as assessed by radiographic study, was 4.79% and it was higher in the males compared to females. Significant differences were also observed between mandibular and maxillary premolars.

Prevalence of taurodontism in premolars among patients at a tertiary care institution in Trinidad.

OBJECTIVES: A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of taurodontism in premolars in a group of adult dental patients in Trinidad and Tobago since there is no such data available for the region. METHODS: Periapical and orthopantomograms of 1090 randomly selected patients were examined for the presence of an apically displaced pulp chamber without the usual constriction at the cementoenamel junction. RESULTS: Prevalence of taurodontism in a sample of 1090 patients was 11.28%. Of the 5324 premolars examined, 4.79% were taurodonts. Prevalence of taurodontism was higher in males (6.46%) compared to females (3.66%). A Statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was observed in the prevalence of taurodontism in mandibular premolars compared to maxillary premolars (9.07% vs 0.56%). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of taurodontism in premolars among Trinidadian patients, as assessed by radiographic study, was 4.79% and it was higher in the males compared to females. Significant differences were also observed between mandibular and maxillary premolars.

An unusual case of the Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. A case report.

A case of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome in a woman with a history of trauma and infection is presented. In addition to the classical triad of signs, the patient also exhibited several other features of rare occurrence associated with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy, which revealed the characteristic features of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

Induction of division and differentiation of somatic embryos in the leaf epidermis of Gaillardia picta.

Somatic embroys and subsequent plant regeneration were obtained from isolated leaf epidermis of Gaillardia picta. Abaxial and adaxial epidermal peels (monolayer) from 45 days old aseptic seedlings were isolated and segments measuring 5 mm x 3 mm were cultured on B5 basal medium supplemented with various growth regulators such as naphthaleneacetic acid or indolebutyric acid and benzylaminopurine or kinetin. Within 12 h of culture the epidermal cells showed receding of cytoplasm from the walls. After 48 h of incubation 3 or 4 localized zones, each consisting of 3-8 cells that accumulated cytoplasm and stained densely, were observed. Mitotic divisions occurred in these zones on day 3 of culture and localized masses of callus were observed in 95% of the cultures after 10 days. In another 5 days, the callus differentiated somatic embryos or roots, depending on the growth regulators and their concentration in the medium.

Persistent buccopharyngeal membrane with cleft palate. A case report.

A case of persistent buccopharyngeal membrane associated with cleft palate is reported. Persistence of the buccopharyngeal membrane results in partial fusion of the jaws and inability in opening and should be labeled as partial syngnathia. An association of this condition with cleft palate occurs as a part of the aglossia-adactylia and the popliteal pterygium syndromes. Though infrequently reported in the literature, presence of a persistent buccopharyngeal membrane associated with only cleft palate, without the other characteristics of the syndromes, does occur and should be recognized as a separate developmental defect.

Osteosarcoma of facial bones.

Osteosarcoma, involving mandible and zygoma in 3 patients is presented and discussed; their clinical, radiological and treatment results are detailed. As this disease is uncommon in these bones, the difficulty in the management merits attention.

Papillon - Lefevre Syndrome.

Two siblings with Papillon-Lefevre syndrome are described. Apart from the usual features,, both had symmetrical progressive hyperkeratosis and dystrophy of all the nails.

Topical Metronidazole Therapy in Scabies a Preliminary Report.

Ten cases of scabies are treated with topical metronidazole emulsion. Eight patients were completely cured in 5 days. No untoward effect was noticed. The results are discussed.

Mycosis Fungoides - Tumour D'emblee.

A case of mycosis fungoides - tumour d'emblee is reported and discussed. A leukaemoid reaction or transformation of mycosis fungoides to other forms of reticulosis is suggested as the probable cause for raised WBC count in our patient.