Uso da radiografia panorâmica como fonte de informação para a identificação humana ­ relato de caso pericial / Use of panoramic radiograph as a source for human identification ­ forensic case report

Introdução: A odontologia legal permite a identificação humana por meio da comparação de dados observados em uma documentação odontológica ante mortem (AM) com as informações coletadas post mortem (PM), sendo os exames radiográficos grandes aliados neste processo. Objetivo: Demostrar a contribuição da radiografia panorâmica como fonte de informação para a identificação humana. Relato do caso: foi encaminhado um corpo carbonizado, com parte da região bucomaxilofacial preservada e que ao exame necroscópico era possível identificar a presença de restaurações e ausências dentais. A apresentação de radiografia panorâmica anterior à morte e a realização de exame radiográfico panorâmico no corpo carbonizado possibilitou a comparação de pontos coincidentes e divergências explicáveis, permitindo a identificação positiva do caso. Conclusão: Ao final da perícia foi determinada a identidade da vítima e foi comprovada a importância da radiografia panorâmica para a identificação humana com base em caracteres identificadores anatômicos e terapêuticos presentes no complexo bucomaxilofacial

Introduction: Forensic dentistry allows human identification through the comparison of data observed in ante-mortem (AM) dental documentation with information collected post-mortem (PM), with radiographic examinations being great allies in this process. Objective: To demonstrate the contribution of panoramic radiography as a source of information for human identification. Case report: a charred body was sent, with part of the oral and maxillofacial region preserved and upon necroscopic examination it was possible to identify the presence of restorations and missing teeth. The presentation of a panoramic radiograph prior to death and the performance of a panoramic radiographic examination of the charred body made it possible to compare coincident points and explainable divergences, allowing positive identification of the case. Conclusion: At the end of the forensic examination of the case, the identity of the victim was determined and the importance of panoramic radiography for human identification based on anatomical and therapeutic identifying characters present in the oral and maxillofacial complex was proven

Deep learning for sex determination: Analyzing over 200,000 panoramic radiographs.

The objective of this study is to assess the performance of an innovative AI-powered tool for sex determination using panoramic radiographs (PR) and to explore factors affecting the performance of the convolutional neural network (CNN). The study involved 207,946 panoramic dental X-rays and their corresponding reports from 15 clinical centers in São Paulo, Brazil. The PRs were acquired with four different devices, and 58% of the patients were female. Data preprocessing included anonymizing the exams, extracting pertinent information from the reports, such as sex, age, type of dentition, and number of missing teeth, and organizing the data into a PostgreSQL database. Two neural network architectures, a standard CNN and a ResNet, were utilized for sex classification, with both undergoing hyperparameter tuning and cross-validation to ensure optimal performance. The CNN model achieved 95.02% accuracy in sex estimation, with image resolution being a significant influencing factor. The ResNet model attained over 86% accuracy in subjects older than 6 years and over 96% in those over 16 years. The algorithm performed better on female images, and the area under the curve (AUC) exceeded 96% for most age groups, except the youngest. Accuracy values were also assessed for different dentition types (deciduous, mixed, and permanent) and missing teeth. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of an AI-driven tool for sex determination using PR and emphasizes the role of image resolution, age, and sex in determining the algorithm's performance.

Frecuencia de calcificación del complejo estilohioideo en radiografías panorámicas digitales de un centro radiológico, Lima 2020-2021 / Stylohyoid complex calcification frequency in digital panoramic radiographs of a radiology center, Lima 2020-2021https://doi.org/10.15381/os.v26i2.25050Odontol. Sanmarquina 2023; 26(2): e25050

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de calcificación del complejo estilohioideo en radio-grafías panorámicas digitales de un centro radiológico. Métodos. El tipo de estudio fue cualitativo, diseño descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo; se estudiaron 400 radiografías panorámicas digitales entre edades de 25 a 70 años. Se realizó una evaluación visual de las radiografías panorámicas digitales donde se observó el tipo y patrón de calcificación del ligamento estilohioideo. Resultados. El 56,8% presentó calcificación del complejo estilohioideo en radiografías panorámicas digitales; según sexo en el grupo femenino se presentó en un 64,6%; respecto al grupo etario el 65.8% presentó calcificación en adultos de 30 a 59 años; según el lado afectado el 71,4% fue bilateral, según la apariencia radiográfica el tipo I presentó una mayor frecuencia con un 50,1% en el lado derecho y el 62,5% en el lado izquierdo; finalmente el patrón de calcificación más frecuente fue el completamente calcificado con un 23,8% en el lado derecho y un 48,5% en el lado izquierdo. Conclusión. La frecuencia de calcificación del complejo estilohioideo en ra-diografías panorámicas digitales en la muestra estudiada fue alta por lo que es importante el uso de la radiografía panorámica como medio de diagnóstico para poder detectar este tipo de hallazgos que junto a una evaluación clínica nos permitan hacer un correcto diagnóstico en fin de un tratamiento adecuado.

Objective: To determine the frequency of the stylohyoid complex calcification in digital panoramic radiographs of a radiological center. Methods.The type of study was quali-tative, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective design; 400 digital panoramic radio-graphs between the ages of 25 and 70 were analyzed. A visual evaluation of the digital panoramic radiographs was performed to assess the type and pattern of the stylohyoid ligament calcification. Results. The 56.8% presented calcification of the stylohyoid com-plex in digital panoramic radiographs; according to sex in the female group it was present in 64.6%; Regarding the age group, 65.8% presented calcification in adults aged 30-59 years-old; According to the affected side, 71.4% were bilateral, according to the radio-graphic appearance, type I presented a higher frequency with 50.1% on the right side and 62.5% on the left side. Finally, the most frequent calcification was the completely calcified pattern, with 23.8% on the right side and 48.5% on the left side. Conclusion.The frequency of calcification of the stylohyoid complex in digital panoramic radio-graphs in the sample studied was high, so it is important to use panoramic radiography as a means of diagnosis to be able to detect this type of findings that, together with a clinical evaluation, allow us to make a correct diagnosis and perform an adequate treatment.

Radiografías periapicales y panorámicas como herramientas para la predicción temprana de osteoporosis / Periapical and panoramic radiographs as tools for early prediction of osteoporosis

Introducción: La osteoporosis es una enfermedad del sistema esquelético provocada por una disminución progresiva de la densidad mineral ósea y el deterioro de la microarquitectura, que aumenta el riesgo de fracturas. Por tanto, se hace necesario adoptar medidas de diagnóstico que permitan la detección temprana de alteraciones de la densidad mineral. Dado que las radiografías dentales son rutinarias y permiten examinar las estructuras óseas de los maxilares, se han propuesto como herramientas primarias de diagnóstico de osteoporosis. Objetivo: Examinar la viabilidad y el avance del uso de radiografías periapicales y panorámicas como predictoras tempranas de osteoporosis. Comentarios principales: Fue realizada una revisión bibliográfica sobre cómo las radiografías periapicales y panorámicas, junto con técnicas de aprendizaje automático e índices morfométricos, pueden ser predictores tempranos de osteoporosis. Consideraciones globales: Radiografías panorámicas y periapicales pueden ayudar en la predicción precoz de osteoporosis. Para ello el odontólogo debe contar con amplia experiencia en la interpretación de imágenes radiográficas o ser especialista en radiología oral o cirugía maxilofacial. Por otro lado, existen herramientas computacionales fundamentadas en aprendizaje automático que han mostrado resultados de identificación de osteoporosis comparables a los arrojados por radiólogos. Estas herramientas pueden servir de apoyo a profesionales menos experimentados. Los odontólogos están llamados a ser los primeros inspectores de cambios anómalos en la densidad ósea. Deben remitir oportunamente los pacientes con sospecha de osteoporosis al médico especialista(AU)

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeletal system caused by a gradual reduction in bone mineral density and deterioration of the microarchitecture, raising the risk of fracture. It is therefore necessary to implement diagnostic actions allowing early detection of mineral density alterations. Given the fact that dental radiographs are routine practice and make it possible to examine the bone structure of maxillae and mandibles, they have been proposed as primary tools for osteoporosis diagnosis. Objective: Examine the viability of and progress in the use of periapical and panoramic radiographs as early predictors of osteoporosis. Main remarks: A review was conducted about the combined use of panoramic and periapical radiographs. Both are machine learning techniques and morphometric indices. General considerations: Panoramic and periapical radiographs may be useful for early prediction of osteoporosis. To achieve this end, dentists should have broad experience interpreting radiographic images or be specialists in oral radiology or maxillofacial surgery. On the other hand, computer tools based on machine learning are available which have obtained results in osteoporosis identification comparable to those obtained by radiologists. Those tools may support the work of less experienced professionals. Dentists should be the first to detect anomalous bone density changes, timely referring patients suspected of osteoporosis to the corresponding specialist(AU)

Is jaw fractal dimension a reliable biomarker for osteoporosis screening? A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the evidence on the feasibility of maxillomandibular imaging exams-related fractal dimension (FD) in screening patients with osteoporosis. METHODS: This registered systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy statement. High sensitivity search strategies were developed for six primary databases and grey literature. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) items evaluated the risk of bias, and the GRADE approach assessed the evidence certainty. RESULTS: From 1034 records initially identified through database searching, four studies were included (total sample of 747 patients [osteoporosis, 136; control group, 611]). The meta-analysis showed that the overall sensitivity and specificity of the FD were 86.17 and 72.68%, respectively. In general, all studies showed low RoB and applicability concern. The certainty of the evidence was very low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review showed that the jaw-related FD presented sensitivity and specificity values higher than 70%, and its sensitivity in osteoporosis screening was a better parameter than specificity.

Can exposure to panoramic radiographs induce genotoxic effects on the oral epithelium? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, through a systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis, the occurrence of genotoxic effects in the oral epithelium after the exposure of patients to panoramic radiographs. METHODS: An SR was performed with the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study design) strategy, aiming to answer the following question: "Can panoramic radiographs induce genotoxic effects on the oral epithelium?" The study was registered in the PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) platform. A systematic search was performed in the following electronic databases: PubMed (including MedLine), Scopus, Embase, LILACS, Medline EbscoHost, and Google Scholar. Treatment effects were defined as standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were established. The Joanna Briggs Institute questionnaire for observational studies was applied to assess the risk of bias. The GRADE tool was used to assess the quality of evidence of the SR. RESULTS: A total of 251 potentially relevant studies were selected through the search strategy. After screening titles and abstracts, 11 full-text manuscripts were assessed for eligibility and nine observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. The present study showed an increase in micronuclei after the exposure (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.28, p = 0.02), with a Tau2index = 0.00, Chi2 = 2.35, and p-value = 0.97. Therefore, the articles selected were considered homogeneous and the I² of 0% indicated low heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: According to the studies analysed, although the quality of evidence was considered low, panoramic radiographs can cause genotoxic damage in the oral epithelium but with a small effect size.

18F-NaF uptake in dentomaxillofacial bones as a result of oral alterations: a positron emission tomography/computerized tomography scanning study.

OBJECTIVES: 18F-NaF is a bone scanning radiotracer that reflects changes in bone metabolism, and it is applied in oncology to scan bone tumors or metastasis. Dentomaxillofacial alterations can lead to 18F-NaF uptake and could lead to false-positive results in PET/CT examinations. Hence, the objective of this research was to verify if the uptake of 18F-NaF in the mandible or maxilla is correlated to the presence of odontogenic alterations, which could lead to false-positive results in positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) examinations. METHODS: 42 patients who underwent 18F-NaF PET/CT examinations and panoramic radiographs to detect bone metastasis and to assess oral conditions before oncologic treatment were included. Edentulous patients and patients with neoplasms in the maxillofacial area, and those whose imaging examinations had technical failures were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 252 areas from panoramic radiographs and PET/CT examinations were assessed. It was observed that the presence of periodontal bone loss resulted in a higher number of cases with false negatives. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 18F-NaF uptake-regardless of the type of odontogenic origin alteration-were 76.2%, 53.3%, and 89.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: 18F-NaF uptake in the maxilla or mandible could be influenced by oral alterations in the alveolar bones. The alterations in the oral cavity that lead to 18F-NaF accumulation should be recognized by medical radiologists to prevent false-positive results in PET/CT examinations using the tracer 18F-NaF.

A new model of classification of third molars development and its correlation with chronological age in a Brazilian subpopulation.

The present study correlated the mineralization of third molars to chronological age using a modified classification based on Demirjian's stages in a Brazilian subpopulation and compared with the original classification. A total of 1082 patients with age ranging from 6 to 26 years were included in the sample, with at least one third molar on panoramic radiographs. The third molars were classified according to the original Demirjian classification (8 stages) and a new model based on the Demirjian method, where the original stages were grouped into four stages: AB-enamel mineralization; CD-crown dentin mineralization; EFG-root formation; and H-complete development. Statistical analyses were performed by Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests (α = 0.05) and the multinomial logistic regression model. Data were analyzed according to percentiles for the probability of an individual being over 18 years old. The mean ages of the stages in both classifications did not present a significant difference between superior and inferior arches (p < 0.05). The differences in mean ages between all the stages of mineralization were statistically significant (p < 0.001) only for the 4-stage classification. Males attained root formation and complete formation earlier than females (p < 0.05) in the 4-stage classification. The modified classification system showed dependence between chronological age and mineralization stages of third molars, simplifying the age estimation process. At stage H, females present a 95.7% chance of being over 18, while for males, this probability is 89.6%. This modified classification system simplifies the dental age estimation process based on third molars and can be used as a reference for future studies.

Do HIV patients have mandibular osteoporotic alterations? A mandibular cortical index case-control study / Pacientes com infecção por HIV tem alterações osteoporóticas na mandíbula? Um estudo caso controle utilizando o índice da cortical mandibular

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate mandibular osteoporotic alterations in patients with HIV infection in comparison to non-HIV-infected patients using panoramic radiographs. Material and Methods: 26 HIV-infected patients and 142 non-HIV-infected patients (control group) were included in this study. Panoramic radiographs of the participants were assessed considering mandibular cortical index (MCI). Non-parametric comparisons between groups were performed, using Mann-Whitney test, at a level significance level of p= 0.05. Results: HIV-infected patients presented lower bone mineral density (BMD) at mandible, assessed by MCI in panoramic radiographs when compared to non-HIV-infected patients. The medication intake of HIV-infected patients was highly heterogeneous and could not be associated to the low BMD presented in the mandibular cortex. Conclusions: HIV-infected patients may present lower mandibular BMD than non-HIV-infected patients. (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações osteoporóticas mandibulares em pacientes com infecção por HIV comparando-os com pacientes não infectados, por meio de radiografias panorâmicas. Material e Métodos: 26 pacientes infectados pelo HIV e 142 pacientes não infectados (grupo controle) foram incluídos neste estudo. As radiografias panorâmicas dos participantes foram avaliadas considerando o índice da cortical mandibular (MCI). Comparações não paramétricas entre os grupos foram realizadas, com o teste de Mann-Whitney e nível de significância de p = 0,05. Resultados: Pacientes infectados pelo HIV apresentaram menor densidade mineral óssea (BMD) na mandíbula, avaliada pelo MCI em radiografias panorâmicas, quando comparados aos pacientes não infectados pelo HIV. A ingestão de medicamentos de pacientes infectados pelo HIV foi altamente heterogênea e não pôde ser associada à baixa BMD apresentada no córtex mandibular. Conclusões: Pacientes infectados pelo HIV podem apresentar BMD mandibular menor do que pacientes não infectados pelo HIV. (AU)

Bone mineral density and mandibular osteoporotic alterations in panoramic radiographs: Correlation by peripheral bone densitometry in men.

AIM: Mandibular cortical index has proven to be inversely correlated to bone densitometry; however, trabecular bone pattern has not been widely studied. Thus, the main objectives of this study were: (1) to analyze the correlations between three different sites of peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with the mandibular cortical index and the trabecular bone pattern classification; (2) to assess the correlation between the mandibular cortical index and the trabecular bone pattern; (3) to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the mandibular cortical index and the trabecular bone pattern using panoramic radiographs in a sample of Brazilian men. Additionally, peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry findings in men were described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There are about 44 men who had previously undergone panoramic radiography and bone densitometry were evaluated. Mandibular cortical index and trabecular bone pattern classifications were performed. The median T-scores of the men were analyzed. Spearman's test was performed to assess correlations. RESULTS: An inverse correlation was found between mandibular cortical index and proximal bone densitometry site. No correlation was found between mandibular cortical index and trabecular bone pattern or between peripheral densitometry and trabecular bone pattern. Greater accuracy was observed in mandibular cortical index when compared to trabecular bone pattern. Mandibular cortical index evaluations by panoramic radiographs are a useful screening tool for low bone mineral density, but trabecular bone pattern cannot be applied to screen patients for osteoporosis risk. Mandibular cortical index has an inverse correlation with proximal sites of forearm densitometry.

Calcificaciones de tejidos blandos: consideraciones diagnósticas / Soft tissue calcifications: diagnostic considerations

RESUMEN Introducción: Las calcificaciones en tejidos blandos se refieren al depósito de sales de calcio en tejidos que no incluye el hueso; son un conjunto de imágenes radiopacas que se pueden identificar fácilmente en una imagen radiográfica, generalmente la panorámica, siendo esta una de las técnicas más utilizadas en la práctica odontológica; la presencia de estas calcificaciones, de acuerdo con la localización, forma, tamaño y número, presumirá el tipo de tejido blando calcificado. Objetivo: Identificar los tipos de calcificaciones en tejidos blandos, su descripción en una imagen de diagnóstico dental y su probable asociación con una enfermedad sistémica subyacente. Métodos: Estudio de tipo descripción narrativa de la literatura en el que se buscaron publicaciones en las bases de datos PubMed y Google Scholar de artículos relacionados con calcificaciones en tejidos blandos desde enero de 2014 hasta mayo de 2019. Se utilizaron términos como calcificación, radiografía panorámica, tejidos blandos, entre otros. Análisis e integración de la información: La revisión resume de forma detallada varios tipos de calcificaciones, su implicación clínica y aspectos imagenológicos. Conclusiones: Las calcificaciones en tejidos blandos son entidades que se identifican como hallazgos en técnicas de imágenes dentales y que en muchas ocasiones pasan desapercibidas, esta revisión recalca que, es responsabilidad del radiólogo bucal y maxilofacial la identificación e información de estas calcificaciones, sin embargo, los odontólogos generales deben también familiarizarse con este tipo de entidad y de la misma forma informar a los pacientes(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Soft tissue calcifications are the accumulation of calcium salts in tissues other than bones. They are a set of radio-opacities easily identifiable on a radiographic image, generally the panoramic sort, this being one of the most commonly used techniques in dental practice. The presence of these calcifications in terms of their location, shape, size and number, will suggest the type of soft tissue calcified. Objective: Identify the types of soft tissue calcifications, their description on a dental diagnosis image and their probable association with an underlying systemic disease. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted of papers about soft tissue calcifications published in the databases PubMed and Google Scholar from January 2014 to May 2019. The search terms used included "calcification", "panoramic radiograph" and "soft tissues", among others. Data analysis and integration: The review is a detailed summary of several types of calcifications, their clinical implication and imaging features. Conclusions: Soft tissue calcifications are conditions identified as findings of dental image techniques which often go unnoticed. The revision stresses that it is the responsibility of oral and maxillofacial radiologists to identify and report these calcifications. However, general dental practitioners should also familiarize themselves with this sort of condition and likewise inform the patients(AU)

Prevalence and morphological analysis of the atheromatous plaque in digital panoramic radiograph of a brazilian subpopulation / Prevalencia y análisis morfológico de las placas ateromatosas en radiografías panorámicas digitales de una subpoblación brasileña

This study had as a goal to analyze the prevalence of suggestive images of atheromatous calcification in the common carotid artery, aiming to relate it to age, sex, antimere and to analyze the morphology of its calcification, through digital panoramic radiographs of the jaws. It's an observational, transversal and retrospective study, on which there were analyzed 4.837 radiographs, that came from the files of a dental radiology private service in the city of Cabo de Santo Agostinho-PE, Brazil, referring to the period between 2011-2017. The morphology of the calcified atheromatous plaque was classified in: Grade I ­ normal (plaque not displayed); Grade II ­ intimal thickening; Grade III ­ simple plaque (less than 5mm thick); Grade IV ­ complex plaque (over 5mm thick) and Grade V ­ debris (irregular plaque with moving projections). The data collected was expressed in absolute values and frequency, analyzed through the chi-square, considering p< 0,05. Of the analyzed radiographs, 1.321 filled the eligibility criteria, of these 51 (3,8%0 presented suggestive image of atheromatous plaque, 71% were of the female sex (p = 0,003), 45% were at the age range between 5th and 6th decade of life (p= 0,001), most of the identified plaques were unilateral, to the left (p=0,02) and 76% were morphologically classified as grade III (less than 5mm thick). In this study, it was verified the low prevalence of suggestive images of atheromatous in carotid artery, with greater occurrence on the female sex, between the 5th and 6th decade of life, unilaterally, to the left and morphologically classified in grade III.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la prevalencia de imágenes sugerentes de calcificación ateromatosa en la arteria carótida común, con el objetivo de relacionarla con la edad, sexo, antimería y analizar el aspecto morfológico de la calcificación, a través de radiografías panorámicas digitales de los maxilares. Se trata de un estudio observacional, transversal y retrospectivo, en el que se analizaron 4.837 radiografías, provenientes de los archivos de un servicio privado de radiología dental en la ciudad de Cabo de Santo Agostinho-PE, Brasil, referido al período 2011-2017. La morfología de la placa ateromatosa calcificada se clasificó en: Grado I - normal (no aparece placa); Grado II: engrosamiento de la íntima; Grado III: placa simple (menos de 5 mm de espesor); Grado IV: placa compleja (más de 5 mm de grosor) y grado V: Irregular o amorfo (placa irregular con proyecciones móviles). Los datos recolectados se expresaron en valores absolutos y frecuencia, analizados mediante el chi-cuadrado, considerando p <0,05. De las radiografías analizadas, 1.321 cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad, de estas 51 (3,8% presentaron imagen sugerente de placa ateromatosa, 71% eran del sexo femenino (p = 0,003), 45% estaban en el rango de edad entre 5 y 6a década de la vida (p = 0,001), la mayoría de las placas identificadas eran unilaterales, hacia la izquierda (p = 0,02) y el 76% se clasificaron morfológicamente como grado III (menos de 5mm de espesor). verificó la baja prevalencia de imágenes sugerentes de ateromatosas en arteria carótida, con mayor ocurrencia en el sexo femenino, entre la 5ª y 6ª década de la vida, unilateralmente, hacia la izquierda y clasificadas morfológicamente en grado III.

Prevalence and morphometric analysis of double mental foramen and double mandibular foramen from digital panoramic radiographs / Prevalencia y análisis morfométrico de foramen mental y foramen mandibular dobles a través de radiografías panorámicas digitales

The morphological variations of the mental foramen (MF) and mandibular foramen (MBF) have been studied for several years, and the prevalence and morphometric characteristics of double and triple foramina have been reported. The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of variations in the MF and MBF, and to carry out a morphometric analysis of a Chilean population using digital panoramic radiographs. The study included 927 radiographs; the observed prevalence of double MF was 2.58 %, while the prevalence of double MBF was 1.51 %. No cases of triple foramina were found. In men, double MF was found more frequently in the left hemiarch (64.28 % of cases), while in women it was more frequent in the right hemiarch (80 %). Double MBF was found more frequently in the right hemiarch in women (80 % of cases), while the distribution between left and right in men was even. The mean area, width and height of the double MF were 5.46 mm2, 2.77 mm and 2.57 mm respectively. The means of the same morphometric measurements in double MBF were 6.37 mm2, 2.27 mm and 3.19 mm respectively. In both foramina, statistically significant differences were only found between the height of the foramen and the age of the subjects, with the observation that the greater the subject's age, the smaller the height. Dental surgeons must take these anatomical variants into consideration in clinical and surgical actions; timely diagnosis by radiograph is important to avoid possible complications.

Las variaciones morfológicas del foramen mental (FM) y mandibular (FMB) han sido estudiadas durante varios años, reportándose su prevalencia y las características morfométricas de forámenes dobles y triples. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la prevalencia de variaciones de los FM y FMB y realizar un análisis morfométrico a través de radiografías panorámicas digitales de una muestra de población chilena. En el estudio se incluyeron 927 radiografías y se observó una prevalencia de FM doble de 2,58 %, mientras que la prevalencia de FMB doble fue de 1,51 %. No se encontraron casos de forámenes triples. En hombres, el FM doble se encontró mayoritariamente en la hemiarcada izquierda (64,28 % de los casos), mientras que en mujeres fue en la hemiarcada derecha (80% de los casos). Para el caso de los FMB dobles, en mujeres se presentó mayoritariamente en la hemiarcada derecha (80 % de los casos), mientras que en hombres fue equitativo en ambos lados. El promedio del área, ancho y alto de los FM dobles fue de 5,46 mm2, 2,77 mm y 2,57 mm, respectivamente. Asimismo, los promedios de estas medidas morfométricas para el FMB doble fueron 6,37 mm2, 2,27 mm y 3,19 mm, respectivamente. Para ambos forámenes sólo se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el alto y la edad de los sujetos, observando que, a mayor edad menor era el alto del foramen. Los cirujanos dentistas deben tener en consideración estas variantes anatómicas para la realización de distintas acciones clínicas y quirúrgicas, su diagnóstico radiográfico oportuno es importante para prevenir posibles complicaciones.

Prevalencia de agenesia dental en pacientes evaluados en ortodoncia, Santiago de Chile / Prevalence of dental agenesis in patients evaluated in orthodontics, Santiago de Chile

Resumen La agenesia dentaria es una anomalía frecuente de detectar en un examen odontológico. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de agenesias en la población chilena actual, comparar según sexo, diente afectado y clase esqueletal, y registrar microdoncia de incisivos laterales superiores permanentes. Materiales y métodos: En este estudio descriptivo transversal, se contabilizó el número de agenesias dentarias presentes en 278 radiografías panorámicas de un total de 9207 pacientes, que ingresaron a tratamiento de ortodoncia durante el año 2017 en un centro clínico privado de Santiago de Chile. Resultados: Se obtuvo una prevalencia de agenesia del 3,02%, encontrando una mayor frecuencia de agenesia de segundos premolares inferiores, seguido de incisivos laterales superiores. Hubo una mayor cantidad de agenesias en pacientes de sexo femenino. Conclusión: Los segundos premolares son los dientes con mayor prevalencia de agenesias, no se evidenció la asociación de agenesias en alguna clase esqueletal específica, y se sugieren más estudios para describir la prevalencia de los terceros molares, debido a que este diente está en vías de dejar desarrollarse, según la teoría evolutiva.

Abstract Dental agenesis is a frequent anomaly detected in a dental examination. Objective: To determine the prevalence of agenesis in the current Chilean population, compare according to sex, affected tooth, skeletal class, and record microdontia of permanent upper lateral incisors. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, the number of dental agenesis present in 278 panoramic radiographs of a total of 9207 patients who entered orthodontic treatment during 2017 in a private clinical center in Santiago de Chile was recorded. Results: A prevalence of agenesis of 3.02% was obtained, finding a higher frequency in lower second premolars, followed by upper lateral incisors. Females presented a higher amount of cases in comparison to males. Conclusion: The second premolars are the teeth with the highest prevalence of agenesis. The association of this alteration with some specific skeletal class was not evidenced. More studies are suggested to describe it´s prevalence in the third molars, beacause according to the evolutionary theory this tooth might eventually disappear.

The Innovative and Sustainable Use of Dental Panoramic Radiographs for the Detection of Osteoporosis.

This bibliometric study evaluated the scientific impact of papers dealing with osteoporosis detected by dental panoramic radiographs by performing citation analysis and cited reference analysis. Retrospective data was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database and imported into VOSviewer, CRExplorer, and CitNetExplorer for analyzing semantic contents, cited references, and temporal citation network. The 280 relevant papers identified were cited 4874 times, having an h-index of 38 and 17.4 citations per paper. The top five major contributing countries were Japan (n = 54, 19.3%), USA (n = 43, 15.4%), Brazil (n = 38, 13.6%), Turkey (n = 38, 13.6%), and the UK (n = 32, 11.4%). Citation per paper correlated with publication count among the authors and institutions. Mandibular cortical width was the most frequently used and most cited measurement index. References published during the 1970s and 1980s have built the foundation for the development of research that investigates the potential associations between osteoporosis and radiographic measurements on panoramic radiographs. Osteoporosis detection by dental panoramic radiographs is a perennially investigated research topic with global contributions. Panoramic radiographs are considered early detection and screening tools for osteoporosis by worldwide research.

Age estimation of Brazilian individuals using the London Atlas.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate, for the first time, the applicability of the London Atlas method for age estimation on a sample of Brazilian population. DESIGN: The study consisted of archived dental panoramic radiographs (n = 288) of individuals aged between 5 and 23 years. Radiographs were assessed using the London Atlas method to determine the developmental and eruption stages of all teeth on each sides of each jaw separately, and also to make an age estimation. RESULTS: There was no significant differences between the right and left sides of the jaws (p = 0.31 for males and p = 0.65 for females). An overestimation of age occurred more likely in the female sample when compared to the male sample. Three age groups, 20.5, 18.5 and 19.5 years, presented the highest values ​​of mean absolute difference found in the whole sample. CONCLUSION: The London Atlas of age estimation performed well in general and good viability in an expert context, with most age groups showing age differences lower than two years of age, however it is necessary that it be applied with caution in certain age groups, especially when the third molar is used as a decision tooth for age estimation. Therefore, it is recommended to use more than one method for assessing the age in those age groups.

Gardner syndrome imaging features in plain radiographs and computed tomography: a case report / Síndrome de Gardner: Características imaginológicas por meio da radiografia convencional e tomografia computedorizada

Gardner syndrome (GS) is a genetic disease with high penetration characterized by a signal triad of colonic polyposis, multiple osteomas and mesenchymal tumors in the soft tissues and skin. The colonic polyposis is associated to the development of malignant disease. Patients may also present maxillomandibular alterations such as impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth, congenital missing teeth and odontomas. Bone lesions and maxillomandibular alterations usually precedes the gastrointestinal alterations; hence dentists should be aware of GS syndrome main radiographic signals, in order to detect the disease and proper referred the patient to medical treatment and surveillance. Thus, in this report, it is described a case of GS in a male patient, as well as discussed GS features.(AU)

A síndrome de Gardner (GS) é uma doença genética caracterizada pela seguinte tríade: polipose colônica, múltiplos osteomas e tumores mesenquimais em tecidos moles e pele. A polipose colônica está associada ao desenvolvimento de tumores malignos. Os pacientes também podem apresentar alterações maxilomandibulares, como dentes impactados, dentes supranumerários, agenesia congênita e odontomas. Lesões ósseas e alterações maxilomandibulares geralmente precedem as alterações gastrointestinais; portanto, os dentistas devem estar cientes dos principais sinais imaginológicos da GS, a fim de detectar a doença e encaminhar adequadamente o paciente para tratamento. Neste relato de caso é descrito um caso de GS em um paciente do gênero masculino, além de discutir as características da GS.(AU)

Evaluation of bone texture imaging parameters on panoramic radiographs of patients with Sheehan's syndrome: a STROBE-compliant case-control study.

Sheehan's syndrome (SHS) is a rare condition related to the risk of osteoporosis and evaluation of bone texture imaging features on panoramic radiographs would be suitable for this condition, which was the aim of the present study. Fractal dimension, lacunarity, and trabecular morphologic aspects were significantly altered in these patients. INTRODUCTION: SHS is an important public health problem particularly in developing countries. It is characterized as postpartum hypopituitarism secondary to obstetric complications-related ischemic pituitary necrosis that shows significant systemic metabolic repercussions. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate bone texture parameters in digital panoramic radiographs of patients with SHS. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 30 SHS patients from an Endocrinology and Diabetology Service of reference in Brazil, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. A custom computer program measured fractal dimension, lacunarity, and some morphologic features in the following mandibular regions of interest (50 × 50 pixels): below the mental foramen (F1), between the first and second molars (M1), and at the center of the mandibular ramus (R1). RESULTS: The fractal analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the studied groups in all regions of interest. The fractal dimension in F1 (p = 0.016), M1 (p = 0.043), and R1 (p = 0.028) was significantly lower in SHS group, as well as lacunarity in R1 (p = 0.008). Additionally, several morphologic features were statistically significant in the SHS group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Therefore, individuals with SHS showed altered imaging texture parameters on panoramic radiographs, which reflect a smaller spatial organization of the bone trabeculae and, possibly, a state of reduced mineral bone density.

Validation of the Third Molar Maturation Index to estimate the age of criminal responsibility in Northeastern Brazil.

The estimation of the age of majority is crucial to determine the legal accountability of an individual. With this purpose, the analysis of the dental development process has proven to be an effective, elucidatory method. This study investigated the applicability of the Third Molar Maturation Index (I3M), proposed by Cameriere et al. (2008), to estimate the age of majority in a sample of Northeastern Brazilians using panoramic radiographs. Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 (Adobe Systems Incorporated, San Jose, California, USA) software was used to obtain the I3M index measurements in a sample of radiographs from a dental radiology clinic located in Northeastern Brazil. Radiographs of individuals aged between 14 and 23 years were included in the sample, except if showing absence, distortions, pathological alterations or suspected pulp impairment of the tooth #38 (third lower left molar), as the method applies exclusively to this element. Of the total sample of radiographs previously obtained for diagnostic and/or orthodontic purposes (n=394), 185 were from males and 209 from females, of which 217 corresponded to 18 year-olds or older and 177 were from minors. Logistic regression and predictive values of sensitivity, specificity and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (α=0.05) were used. The cutoff point originally proposed for the I3M index (0.08) presented a sensitivity of 88.4% and a specificity of 73.2%, with accuracy (area under the ROC curve) of 80.8% (95%CI: 76.4-85.3%) for the Northeastern Brazilian population, as well as a correct age classification in 80.2% of the sample. The method estimated accurately 73.7% of the cases corresponding to "18 years or older" and 88.1% of the cases "under 18years" (p=0.000). Among the sexes, the correct age classification rate of the method was 84.3% for males and 76.6% for females, with no statistically significant difference between the match and error rates and between the sexes (p≥0.05). In conclusion, the Third Molar Maturation Index could accurately distinguish the age of adolescents and young adults of both sexes aged 18 years or under/older in a Brazilian population.

Periodontal disease defects and mandibular cortical index in lupus patients / Defeitos ósseos periodontais e índice da cortical mandibular em pacientes com lupus

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs. It is well known that lupus patients have higher risk of osteoporosis, but if the disease affects mandibular cortical bone and alveolar bone is not fully established. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate periodontal disease defects and mandibular osteoporotic alterations in patients with lupus as compared to healthy patients using panoramic radiographs. Material and Methods: The panoramic radiographs of 72 patients with lupus and 360 healthy patients were evaluated for the presence of bone loss secondary to periodontal disease, classified as horizontal and vertical bone loss. We also assessed mandibular osteoporotic alterations by using the mandibular cortical index. Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the risk of mandibular osteoporotic alterations as well as horizontal and vertical bone loss in patients with lupus as compared to healthy patients. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the presence of horizontal bone defects and mandibular cortical indexes. However, patients with lupus demonstrated that patients with lupus were 2.17 more likely to present vertical bone loss than healthy patients. Conclusions: Patients with lupus might have higher risk of vertical bone loss than healthy patients due to pathophysiology of their disease. Further larger prospective studies should be performed to confirm our findings (AU)

Introdução: Os lúpus eritematoso sistêmico é uma doença autoimune que afeta múltiplos órgãos. Pacientes com lúpus têm maior risco de osteoporose, mas é necessário elucidar-se como a doença afeta o esqueleto maxilo-mandibular. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar defeitos ósseos por doença periodontal e alterações osteoporóticas mandibulares em pacientes com lúpus, em comparação com pacientes saudáveis, utilizando-se radiografias panorâmicas. Material e Métodos: As radiografias panorâmicas de 72 pacientes com lúpus e 360 pacientes saudáveis foram avaliadas quanto à presença de defeitos ósseos verticais e horizontais por doença periodontal. Foram também avaliadas as alterações osteoporóticas da mandíbula por meio do índice da cortical mandibular. A regressão logística foi aplicada para estimar o risco de alterações osteoporóticas mandibulares, bem como a perda óssea horizontal e vertical em pacientes com lúpus, em comparação com pacientes saudáveis. Resultados: Não houveram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos no tocante à presença de defeitos ósseos horizontais quanto à redução da densidade mineral óssea aferida por meio do índice da cortical mandibular. No entanto, pacientes com lúpus apresentaram 2,17 mais risco à perda óssea vertical do que pacientes saudáveis. Conclusões: Pacientes com lúpus podem ter maior risco de apresentar defeito ósseo vertical do que pacientes saudáveis devido à fisiopatologia de sua doença. Novos estudos prospectivos devem ser realizados para confirmar estes achados (AU)