Suchergebnisse

AbstractMönckeberg medial calcinosis (MMC) is a potentially serious vasculopathy involving calcification of the arterial tunica media of the extremities, heart, and other viscera. There are a limited number of cases reported in the dental literature, usually associated with the facial artery. Although MMC is often discerned as an occult radiologic finding in middle‐aged adults, its presence may serve as a harbinger for end‐stage renal disease, diabetes, other pathologic processes, and possible regional hypoperfusion. The objective of this report is to feature an elderly patient with MMC of the facial and infraorbital arteries. In addition, a brief review of published cases of MMC and its differential diagnosis have been provided. It is recommended that affected patients be referred for a comprehensive medical assessment. Timely discovery of calcified arteries may improve patient outcomes.

AbstractAlthough there appears to be an overall trend of diminishing oral manifestations of HIV infection, evidence is emerging on the increased incidence of concomitant parotid gland enlargement and xerostomia. Furthermore, several case narrations and a limited series have suggested a possible association of sialolithiasis with highly active antiretroviral therapy, mostly involving the parotid gland. The aim of this report is to present a patient with a giant sialolith of the submandibular gland following a 27‐year intake of various antiretrovirals for HIV infection and review the relevant literature.

AbstractPatients with chronic and severe hearing loss, refractory to nonsurgically‐worn devices, may consider use of cochlear implants to regain auditory capability. Cochlear implants consist of surgically emplaced and externally worn components. There are few published examples of the radiographic presentation of these devices appearing in the special needs‐based dental literature. This article features a case report and panoramic radiographic examination involving a 67‐year‐old patient who received bilateral cochlear implants after experiencing a traumatic brain injury and onset loss of hearing. A brief review of strategies for communicating with individuals with severe hearing impairment has also been provided.

AbstractBackgroundDiffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a potentially serious osteopathic disorder associated with coalescing ossifications of the anterior vertebrae and may be concomitant with a constellation of symptomatology and systemic comorbidities. There is limited dental literature describing this finding on panoramic radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.Case presentationsTwo case reports of DISH are provided. One patient manifested extensive ossifications along the cervical vertebrae and consequent episodes of dysphagia and hoarseness. The other affected patient's cervical ossification was found at an earlier stage of formation and without symptomatology. Panoramic radiography, cervical spine radiography, and CBCT examinations have been provided.ConclusionAttending dental healthcare practitioners should carefully evaluate all areas of interest and surrounding fields of view when taking panoramic radiographs and CBCT scans for manifestations of DISH and other potential disorders of the cervical vertebrae. A suspected radiologic finding of DISH should prompt timely referral for comprehensive medical assessment to mitigate neurologic deficits and other comorbidities.