Peter A. Reichart

Transformation of ameloblastic fibroma to fibrosarcoma

The direct transformation of an ameloblastic fibroma into a fibrosarcoma in a 16-year-old Caucasian male is reported. Although no ameloblastic epithelium was found in the recurrent tumor, the odontogenic origin of the fibrosarcoma was evident. The ameloblastic fibrosarcoma and the fibrosarcoma of identical odontogenic origin represent an entity which should be distinguished from conventional fibrosarcoma as these tumors demonstrate different clinical behaviors.

Fracture of the styloid process of the temporal bone: An unusual complication of dental treatment: Report of a case

Reported in a case of fracture of the styloid process due to an uncoordinated action of the suprahyoidean and infrahyoidean musculature. The similarity of symptoms to acute disturbances of the temporomandibular joints to those of fracture of the styloid process and the differential diagnoses are discussed. Diagnosis of a fracture of the styloid process is achieved mainly by radiographic examination; history and clinical examination are merely confirmatory. Conservative and surgical treatments of fracture of the styloid process, and their respective uses, are briefly reviewed.

Oral leukoplakia : a scanning electron microscopic study of epithelial surface patterns

Biopsies from oral leukoplakias of different anatomic locations were studied by light- and scanning electron microscopy. Clinically, 11 cases showed the homogenous, flat type, and 3 represented the inhomogenous, nodular type of oral leukoplakia. The surface patterns of lining epithelial cells, as well as the cut surface structures were compared with those obtained by light microscopy. The results were compared with other published findings of normal oral mucosa, oral leukoplakia, oral carcinoma, and lesions of the uterine cervical mucosa. The epithelial surface cells revealed micropatterns comparable to normal ortho- or parakeratotic cells in the cases of homogenous oral leukoplakia. Biopsies showing varying degrees of dysplasia revealed cell surfaces with irregular microvilli or swollen microridges; cell forms also showed varying profiles and shapes as well as pleomorphism. Cell desquamation was seen in all cases. Since cell maturation and differentiation is linked to a specific surface morphology, SEM has to be considered as a further valuable diagnostic method.

Granular type of denture stomatitis. A scanning electron microscopic study of epithelial surface patterns.

Biopsy specimens from the palates of patients with full upper dentures were studied by light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. Clinically, all cases showed the granular type of denture stomatitis (inflammatory papillary hyperplasia). The surface structure of the epithelium and the morphology of the connective tissue papillae in this hyperplastic lesion were examined and compared to the epithelial surface patterns of normal palatal mucosa. In addition, comparisons were made with the morphologic findings from the studies of other authors on epithelial dysplastic lesions (leukoplakia) and oral carcinoma. Specimens of denture stomatitis revealed a chronic inflammatory reaction and papillary patterns showing broad, irregular connective tissue papillae which supported a focally hyperplastic and partly atrophic surface epithelium. The epithelial surface cells showed slight desquamation, ledged cell borders and surface pitting and/or microridge formation. Maceration preparations revealed unusual, multitufted, connective tissue papillae.

The involvement of the liver in Sjo¨gren's syndrome

Abstract Liver involvement in Sjo¨grens syndrome is little known in oral medicine. The involvement of the oral cavity and salivary glands is often diagnosed as an additional symptom during a general internal examination. This study shows that, even in the case of extensive liver involvement with considerable hepatic enzyme alterations, complaints in the mouth and jaw region can initially lead the patient to seek the advice of a dentist.

Mandibular infection as a possible aetiological factor in taurodontism.

Abstract A case of taurodontism in a patient aged 37 with a history of cancrum oris at the age of 4 is presented. The aetiology and the pathogenetic mechanism are discussed and compared with those of previously reported cases of taurodontism. Two cases of taurodontism where familial occurrence or other aetiological factors could not be demonstrated are discussed.

Experimental bacteremia to demonstrate the barrier function of epithelium and connective tissue surrounding oral endosseous implants

The barrier function of the peri-pillary epithelial-connective tissue cuff was experimentally tested with 12 endosseous metal blade vents in four beagles. An identified Staphylococcus aureus test strain was suspended in 0.5 ml saline. This bacterial suspension was then instilled into the sulcus of each implant. For stimulation of bacteremia the animals were fed with pelleted dry food. After 5 minutes, venous blood was drawn and incubated. After 72 hours of incubation none of the cultures showed bacterial growth of the test bacteria. In a second experiment 0.5 ml of the bacterial suspension was inoculated intravenously. After 1 h a bacteriological smear and peri-pillary tissue were taken. The specified Staphylococcus aureus was identified with phage typing in only on tissue specimen. This study demonstrates that the pseudo-attachment of the epithelial-connective tissue complex to the post of metal endosteal implants is functionable. Functionability, however, is endangered if biomechanical imbalance or infection occurs.

224Ra-induced dental resorptions: Report of a case

Abstract Multifocal external-internal resorptions were observed in a 55-year-old female patient who had received a series of intra-articular injections of a preparation containing 8 to 70 μCi of thorium X ( 224 Ra) for treatment of tuberculosis of the right knee. Radiographic, γ-spectroscopic, and histologic findings are described and compared to previously reported cases of 224 Ra- and 226 Ra-caused dental resorptions. Specific radiation-induced osseous and periodontal inflammatory changes must be considered as a probable etiologic factor.