RESUMO O objetivo desse estudo foi relatar um caso raro de uma calcificação assintomática de tamanho e formato incomum, no interior do seio maxilar, diagnosticado em um exame de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, além de discutir a importância do conhecimento da anatomia do seio maxilar e suas alterações, avaliando cuidadosamente todo o volume das imagens, independentemente da região de interesse. Paciente do sexo feminino, 83 anos de idade, realizou uma tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico para outros fins de diagnóstico na região bucomaxilofacial. Ao analisar todo volume da tomografia encontrou-se uma imagem de limites incomuns, hiperdensa e calcificada, no seio maxilar direito, próximo a parede anterior e medial, com formato arredondado e homogêneo, ocupando aproximadamente um terço do seio maxilar, com as suas paredes intactas e sem nenhuma lesão lítica ou erosiva. As principais hipóteses diagnosticas levantadas foram antrólito gigante, fenômeno de retenção mucoso e osteoma. Devido a complexidade anatômica do seio maxilar, o diagnóstico nessa região se torna um desafio. Considerando as limitações dos exames 2D, a tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico pode ser empregada para a avaliação dessas estruturas. O conhecimento do raciocínio diagnóstico e das hipóteses diferenciais são de extrema importância para o que o caso seja conduzido corretamente, porém não substituem a biópsia e o exame histopatológico.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to report a rare case of an asymptomatic calcification of unusual size and shape, inside the maxillary sinus identified on a cone beam computed tomography exam and to discuss the importance of knowledge of the anatomy of maxillary sinus and its changes carefully evaluating the entire volume of the images, regardless of the region of interest. An 83-year-old female patient underwent a cone beam computed tomography exam for other diagnostic purposes in the maxillofacial region. When analyzing the entire volume, an image of unusual limits, hyperdense and calcified was found in the right maxillary sinus, close to the anterior and medial wall, with a rounded and homogeneous shape, occupying approximately one third of the maxillary sinus. There was no lytic or erosive lesions on the maxillary sinus wall. The main diagnostic hypotheses raised were giant anthrolith, mucous retention phenomenon and osteoma. Due to the anatomical complexity of the maxillary sinus, diagnosis in this region becomes a challenge. Considering the limitations of 2D exams, the cone beam computed tomography exam can be used to evaluate these structures. Knowledge of differential hypotheses is extremely important for the case to be conducted correctly, but it does not replace biopsy and histopathological examination.

ABSTRACT: A new type of RNA coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) related to acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and responsible for COVID-19 disease has spread around the world, resulting in an unprecedented pandemic. COVID-19 has become an international public health emergency and countless people and sectors have been affected. In this context, individual and collective protection measures were taken, mainly in health care. Dentistry, considered a high risk area, had to undergo changes in relation to biosecurity, including in radiological clinical practice. Thus, this letter aims to comment on these changes during visits to dental imaging centers.

RESUMEN: Un nuevo tipo de coronavirus de ARN (SARS-CoV-2) relacionado con el síndrome respiratorio agudo (SARS) responsable de la enfermedad COVID-19 se ha extendido por todo el mundo y ha provocado una pandemia sin precedentes. COVID-19 se ha convertido en una emergencia de salud pública internacional y un sinnúmero de personas y sectores se han visto afectados. En este contexto, se tomaron medidas de protección individual y colectiva, principalmente en el ámbito de la salud. La atención dental, considerada de alto riesgo, tuvo que sufrir cambios en relación con la bioseguridad, incluida la práctica clínica radiológica. Así, esta carta tiene como objetivo comentar estos cambios durante los atendimientos a los centros de imagenología dental.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this work was to report biosecurity measures in the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMR) clinic in the current context of COVID-19, based on a literature review. An electronic search for scientific papers was perform ed using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus database. Although the literature related to care in the OMR clinic regarding COVID-19 is still scarce, this unprecedented scenario created by the pandemic generated an urgent need for measures to prevent the transmission of the virus. Dentists are at maximum risk of contagion and, although the practice of OMR generally does not produce aerosols, radiologists and technicians are continually in contact with body fluids, such as saliva. In additio n, imaging exams are often indispensable for emergency or elective dental diagnosis and treatment. Training in infection control practices during major outbreaks of infectious diseases should be quickly reinforced and dental settings have unique characteristics that warrant specific infection control considerations. Some recommendations have been proposed and were discussed, which cover patient flow, equipment handling and environment, radiographic technique and processing, personal protective equipment and preparation and issuance of radiological reports and access to exam results. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, biosecurity measures in the routine of the OMR clinic are indispensable to enable emergency dental care and the perspectives of returning to elective treatment. Biosecurity measures and staff training at the OMR clinic should be instituted immediately, since imaging exams are an important and often indispensable part of dental diagnosis and treatment.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue reportar las medidas de bioseguridad en la clínica de Radiología Oral y Maxilofacial (OMR) en el contexto actual del COVID-19, a partir de una revisión de la literatura. Se realizó una búsqueda electrónica de artículos científicos utilizando PubMed, Embase, Web of Science y la base de datos Scopus. Si bien la literatura relacionada con la atención en la clínica OMR respecto al COVID- 19 aún es escasa, este escenario inédito creado por la pandemia generó una urgente necesidad de medidas para prevenir la transmisión del virus. Los dentistas tienen el máximo riesgo de contagio y, aunque la práctica en la OMR generalmente no produce aerosoles, los radiólogos y técnicos están continuamente en contacto con fluidos corporales, como la saliva. Además, los exámenes por imágenes a menudo son indispensables para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento dental de emergencia o electivo. La capacitación en prácticas de control de infecciones durante brotes importantes de enfermedades infecciosas debe reforzarse rápidamente y los entornos dentales tienen características únicas que justifican consideraciones específicas de control de infecciones. Se han propuesto y discutido algunas recomendaciones que cubren el flujo de pacientes, el manejo y el entorno del equipo, la técnica y el procesamiento radiográfico, el equipo de protección personal y la preparación y emisión de informes radiológicos y el acceso a los resultados de los exámenes. Debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, las medidas de bioseguridad en la rutina de la clínica OMR son indispensables para posibilitar la atención dental de emergencia y las perspectivas de volver al tratamiento electivo. Las medidas de bioseguridad y la capacitación del personal en la clínica OMR deben instituirse de inmediato, ya que los exámenes por imágenes son una parte importante y, a menudo, indispensable del diagnóstico y tratamiento dental.

Abstract Isthmuses are reported as common anatomic complexities in teeth often associated with failures in endodontic treatment. They should be considered before starting treatment and a preoperative computed tomography scan (CT) may demonstrate these complexities. Objective To assess the diagnostic value of the highest resolution settings of a cone-beam CT (CBCT) system in identifying and measuring apical isthmuses, using micro-CT as reference. Methodology After micro-CT scanning, 40 humans’ lower first molars with isthmuses in the apical-3 mm of mesial roots were scanned by the highest resolution settings of the New Generation i-Cat ® CBCT equipment. Two blinded observers recorded the detection of isthmuses in CBCT scans. The lengths of isthmuses were compared between micro-CT and CBCT to assess the diagnostic value of CBCT. Quantitative data for sensitivity were represented as percentages (95% confidence interval). The Bland-Altman method was used to assess differences between gold standard lengths (micro-CT) and CBCT lengths. Results BCT demonstrated 30 positive findings, representing sensitivity for isthmus identification of 75% (95% CI=0.4114–1.1364). Differences between the lengths in micro-CT (1.99±0.40 mm) and CBCT (1.53±0.41 mm) were significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion The CBCT device used presented limited diagnostic value in the identification and measurement of apical isthmuses in the mesial roots of lower molars. In some cases, the actual anatomy of the apical root canal may not be completely delineated in this type of CBCT system, even using the highest resolution settings.

ABSTRACT: The three-dimensional imaging in medical sciences nowadays is increasing and some of these technologies are free; the aim of this study was to analyze three free conversion software: 3DSlicer, InVesalius and ImageVis3D. The methodology used to evaluate the software was based on the model of the quality evaluation process, according to the standard NBR ISO/IEC 9126-1. It was observed that the easiest software to manipulate in the segmentation stage, in the representation of volume and in the conversion of STL (Standard Tessellation Language) files was InVesalius, but the most complete and precise software for these phases was the 3DSlider software. Thus, it was concluded that adequate training is necessary so that the handling of these three software is as accurate as possible.

RESUMEN: Los exámenes imagenológicos tridimensionales en odontología son cada día mas frecuentes, contando también con algunas tecnologías gratuitas; el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar tres software gratuitos de conversión desde el formato DICOM al STL. Se evaluaron los programas computacionales 3DSlicer, InVesalius e ImageVis3D. La metodología empleada para evaluar fue basada en el modelo del proceso de evaluación de calidad, según la norma NBR ISO / IEC 9126-, incluyendo 6 observadores en la investigación. Se determinó que el programa más fácil de manipular en la etapa de segmentación, en la representación de volumen y en la conversión de archivos STL fue InVesalius, pero el programa más completo y preciso, para estas fases fue el software 3DSlider. Se puede concluir es necesario un entrenamiento adecuado para que la manipulación de estos programas sea lo más preciso posible.

Abstract Objective The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with articular disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and to identify which clinical variables are associated with the concomitant presence of DDWR and MTrPs. Material and Methods 130 patients were selected that sought treatment due to joint pain, with ages ≥18 years, of both genders, with DDWR confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The sample was divided into two groups: Group 1, patients with DDWR and MTrPs (N=101); and Group 2, patients with DDWR and no MTrPs (N=29). Information on gender, age, pain duration, pain scores, and maximal interincisal distance (MID) were collected. The logistic regression model was used and the odds ratios (OR) was calculated (p<0.05). Results Group 1 presented statistically significant higher mean pain scores (p=0.007), and smaller MID (p=0.0268) than Group 2. OR were significant for the pain scores (1.429), MID (0.937) and gender (women) (2.810). Conclusions Patients with DDWR and MTrPs had increased pain scores and a MID decrease compared to patients with DDWR and no MTrPs. The variables pain scores, MID, and gender (women) showed a significant association with the concomitant presence of DDWR and MTrPs.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an inflammatory mucocutaneous disease, more common in females. Its etiology is not yet well defined; this condition may be related, for example, to anxiety, stress, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections and genetic predisposition. The OLP manifests itself in two main forms: reticular and erosive. This work aims to perform a retrospective study analyzing the possible malignant potential of OLP. Records of the patients were analyzed in two projects of oral lesions in two different institutions in the period from 1995 to 2014. Data as gender, age, presence of systemic disease, presence of skin lesions, smoking, duration of the injury, location, symptoms, treatment, follow-up time and malignant transformation were collected. The results showed that, of the 3488 analyzed, 85 (2.4%) had a confirmed diagnosis of OLP, which mainly affected female patients (85%) being the most common the reticular LP. Regarding the malignant transformation of OLP, one patient (0.85%) had squamous cell carcinoma 4 years after the initial diagnosis of OLP. In addition, 3 patients showed moderate cellular atypia. The results reinforce the potential of malignant transformation of OLP. Although this association is speculative, this possibility must be considered by the dental practitioners, who must submit these patients to long periods of monitoring.

El liquen plano oral (LPO) es una enfermedad mucocutánea inflamatoria más común en las mujeres. Su etiología aún no es bien definida y esta condición puede estar relacionada, por ejemplo, a la ansiedad, estrés, diabetes, las enfermedades autoinmunes, infecciones y predisposición genética. El LPO se manifiesta en dos formas principales: reticular y erosivo. El objetivo de esta investigación es, a través de un estudio retrospectivo, analizar el posible potencial maligno del LPO. Se analizaron los registros de los pacientes atendidos en dos proyectos de lesiones bucales de dos diferentes instituciones en el período de 1995 a 2014. Se recogieron datos como género, edad, presencia de enfermedad sistémica, presencia de lesiones en la piel, tabaquismo, duración de la lesión, localización, síntomas, tratamiento, proservación y transformación maligna. Los resultados mostraron que, de los 3488 analizados, 85 (2,4%) tuvieron un diagnóstico confirmado de LPO, que afecta fundamentalmente a pacientes de sexo femenino (85%) siendo el LP reticular más común. En relación a la transformación maligna del LPO, 1 paciente (0,85%) tenía carcinoma de células escamosas 4 años después del diagnóstico inicial de LPO. Además, 3 pacientes mostraron atipia celular moderada en el diagnóstico. Los resultados refuerzan el potencial de transformación maligna del LPO. Aunque esta asociación es especulativa, la posibilidad debe ser considerada por los profesionales, que deben presentar estos pacientes a largos periodos de preservación.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a correlação entre a densidade óssea alveolar inicial dos incisivos centrais superiores (DOA-IS) e a reabsorção radicular apical externa (RRAE) após 12 meses de movimentação ortodôntica em casos sem extração. MÉTODOS: quarenta e sete pacientes ortodônticos (maiores que 11 anos) foram submetidos ao exame periapical dos incisivos superiores no pré-tratamento (T1) e 12 meses após (T2). Mensurou-se a RRAE no intervalo de 12 meses, bem como a densidade óssea alveolar inicial da região apical desses dentes por meio da fotodensitometria. RESULTADOS: não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre a DOA-IS inicial e a RRAE em T2 (r = 0,149; p = 0,157). CONCLUSÃO: a densidade alveolar avaliada pela radiografia periapical não se apresentou como fator de interferência ou preditivo para reabsorção radicular após 12 meses de tratamento ortodôntico sem extração.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between initial alveolar bone density of upper central incisors (ABD-UI) and external apical root resorption (EARR) after 12 months of orthodontic movement in cases without extraction. METHODS: A total of 47 orthodontic patients 11 years old or older were submitted to periapical radiography of upper incisors prior to treatment (T1) and after 12 months of treatment (T2). ABD-UI and EARR were measured by means of densitometry. RESULTS: No statistically significant correlation was found between initial ABD-UI and EARR at T2 (r = 0.149; p = 0.157). CONCLUSION: Based on the present findings, alveolar density assessed through periapical radiography is not predictive of root resorption after 12 months of orthodontic treatment in cases without extraction.

INTRODUÇÃO : Com a preocupação em antecipar o acesso ao resultado de radiografias intrabucais, o processamento radiográfico é muitas vezes negligenciado, comprometendo a qualidade da imagem. OBJETIVO : O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da interrupção do processo de fixação no contraste radiográfico e na densidade base e velamento (DBV) em 3 marcas comerciais de filmes periapicais. MATERIAL E MÉTODO : Foram realizadas 90 radiografias de um stepwedge de alumínio e uma placa de chumbo para cada marca, e as mesmas foram divididas de acordo com o tempo de imersão inicial no fixador em: grupo controle (sem interrupção na fixação), 5, 10, 20, 30 e 40 segundos. Durante o processamento, os filmes tiveram a fixação interrompida e foram expostos à luz de um negatoscópio por 1 minuto, e então completaram o tempo de fixação de 10 minutos. As radiografias foram digitalizadas e analisadas no software Image Tool 3.0. RESULTADO : O filme Kodak(r) não apresentou diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os grupos, enquanto que o filme Agfa(r) apresentou diferença na DBV em relação ao grupo de 5 segundos, e o filme Dentix(r) apresentou diferença estatística em todos os grupos comparando-os ao grupo controle. CONCLUSÃO : Sob as condições estudadas, o filme Kodak(r) não sofreu influência da interrupção da fixação na DBV e no contraste da imagem, possibilitando o acesso antecipado ao resultado do exame radiográfico, enquanto que o filme Agfa(r) necessita de pelo menos 10 segundos de fixação inicial e o filme Dentix(r) obtém melhores resultados quando não interrompido o processo de fixação.

INTRODUCTION : With the interest in anticipating access to the result of intraoral radiography, the radiographic processing is frequently neglected, compromising image quality. OBJECTIVE : The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of interrupting the fixation process on the radiographic contrast and base-plus-fog density (BPFD) in three brands of periapical films. MATERIAL AND METHOD : Ninety radiographs were taken of an aluminum stepwedge and a lead plate for each brand, and they were divided according to the time of initial immersion in the fixative in: control group (without interrupting the fixing), 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 seconds. During processing, films had the fixing stage stopped and were exposed to a negatoscope for 1 minute, then the fixation time of 10 minutes was completed. The radiographs were digitized and exported to Image Tool 3.0.software. RESULT : Kodak(r) film showed no statistically significant differences between groups, while Agfa(r) film presented difference in BPFD compared with Group 5 seconds, and Dentix(r) film showed statistical difference in all groups in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSION : Under the conditions studied, Kodak(r) film is not influenced by disruption of fixation as regards BPFD and image contrast, enabling early access to the results of radiographs, whereas Agfa(r) film requires at least 10 seconds of initial fixation, and Dentix(r) film obtains better results when the process of fixation is not interrupted.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a correlação entre a densidade óssea alveolar maxilomandibular e a densidade mineral óssea sistêmica. MÉTODOS: a absorciometria duoenergética por raios X do osso alveolar maxilomandibular (região anterior e posterior), dos sítios sistêmicos padrões (coluna lombar e fêmur) e da terceira vértebra cervical foi realizada em 23 mulheres de meia idade. Radiografias periapicais dos incisivos superiores também foram obtidas com uma escala de alumínio como referência para a leitura digital da densidade óssea da região apical. RESULTADOS: o teste de correlação de Spearman revelou que a densidade da região apical foi correlacionada com a do colo femoral (r = 0,433; p < 0,05), a densidade óssea da região posterior mandibular e maxilar foram significativamente correlacionadas com a DMO da vértebra cervical (r = 0,554, p < 0,01; e r = 0,423, p < 0,05) e a da região maxilar anterior foi correlacionada com a mandibular posterior (r = 0,488, p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: a densidade óssea alveolar maxilar foi significativamente correlacionada com a do colo femoral. Entre as densidades ósseas das regiões alveolares, somente a anterior maxilar (AMx) e posterior mandibular (PMd) foram significativamente correlacionadas. Esse achado sugere que a densitometria óssea deveria ser individual e localmente avaliada.

OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed the correlation between maxillomandibular alveolar bone density and systemic bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the anterior and posterior maxillomandibular alveolar bone, of the standard sites for the measurement of BMD (lumbar spine and femur) and the third cervical vertebra was performed on 23 middle-aged women. Periapical radiographs were also obtained, with an aluminum step-wedge as reference for the digital reading of apical bone density of the upper incisors. RESULTS: Spearman's correlations coefficients revealed that density in the apical region was correlated with that of the femoral neck (r = 0.433; p < 0.05); BMDs of the posterior regions of the mandible and maxilla were significantly correlated with that of the cervical vertebra (r = 0.554, p < 0.01 and r = 0.423, p < 0.05, respectively); and the anterior maxilla was correlated with the posterior mandible (r = 0.488, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bone density of the maxillary alveolar bone was significantly correlated with that of the femoral neck. Among the bone densities of the alveolar regions, only the anterior maxilla and the posterior mandible were significantly correlated. The findings suggested that bone densitometry might be individually and locally evaluated.