R2* as a surrogate measure of ferriscan iron quantification in thalassemia.

PURPOSE: To determine whether R2* values are a consistent predictor of hepatic iron concentration (HIC) in thalassemia patients by demonstrating a correlation between R2* relaxation rates and FerriScan-determined HIC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with thalassemia major were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent FerriScan imaging and multiecho gradient echo imaging. The results from FerriScan analysis were fitted against R2* estimates using linear regression. RESULTS: There was a very strong linear correlation between R2* values and FerriScan-determined HIC (Spearman correlation of 0.976; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.963, 0.984). CONCLUSION: R2* values can predict HIC determined by FerriScan using a linear calibration curve. This technique may provide a potentially cost-saving alternative for hepatic iron determination and improve acceptance by referring physicians.

Multiple crown-root fractures in primary molars and a suspected subcondylar fracture following trauma: a report of a case.

Dental trauma is common and often more than one injury is found. Injuries to the primary dentition are usually luxations and mandibular fractures rarely occur. With trauma sustained to the chin, the posterior primary teeth are at increased risk of trauma and mandibular fractures can occur. The case discussed is of a 4-year-old female who presented 2 weeks following dental trauma with multiple primary molar fractures and a possible subcondylar fracture. The need for a detailed examination is emphasized and the management of the case under general anaesthesia is described.

X-linked hypophosphatemia: dental and histologic findings.

The recurrent spontaneous formation of abscesses affecting multiple noncarious primary as well as permanent teeth is the principle clinical dental feature in cases of hypophosphatemia, a condition inherited through the X chromosome. Patients often have high pulp horns, large pulp chambers and dentinal clefts. We report a case of hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets in a patient who reported to our department on multiple occasions with spontaneous abscesses in relation to his primary teeth. The aim of this article is to review the features of this disorder and to discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment options suggested in the literature.

Focal dermal hypoplasia: oral and dental findings.

Focal Dermal Hypoplasia/Goltz Gorlin syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by widespread dysplasia affecting tissues of mesodermal and ectodermal origin with cutaneous, osseous, ocular, oral and dental defects. Enamel hypoplasia is the most commonly reported dental manifestation and has recently been described as a possible manifestation of Lyonisation. This article reviews the reported dental findings and reports a new case with typical findings of focal dermal hypoplasia, which has been under review on our department for 10 years. It discusses the differential diagnosis as well as newer concepts of aetiology and pathogenesis in relation to dental anomalies. Enamel hypoplasia may make plaque control difficult, resulting in generalized gingivitis. Hand anomalies may limit dexterity and exacerbate this. From the dental standpoint we emphasize the implementation of timely preventive and/or therapeutic strategies. Since there are periods of exacerbation during the course of this syndrome, regular surveillance from an early age with the frequency of visits increasing during and after adolescence is indicated. The role of the dentist in improving aesthetics and function can have tremendous psychological impact to enhance self-esteem of such patients.

The use of overdentures in children with cleft lip and palate: a report of two cases.

The treatment of children with cleft lip and palate is complex. Advances in primary surgery and the advent of alveolar bone grafting have resulted in the reduction of prosthetic intervention. However, in patients where surgery is contraindicated or has been unsuccessful, an alternative treatment is required. Overdentures are a simple, conservative and reversible non-surgical alternative for children with cleft lip and palate. We present two cases with severe complete bilateral cleft lip and palate that were managed in this way.