Can dental panoramic radiographic findings serve as indicators for the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw?

Comparison of quantitative radiomorphometric predictors of healthy and MRONJ-affected bone using panoramic radiography and cone-beam CT

OBJECTIVES

To determine the most distinctive quantitative radiomorphometric parameter(s) for the detection of MRONJ-affected bone changes in panoramic radiography (PR) and cone-beam CT (CBCT).

METHODS

PR and sagittal CBCT slices of 24 MRONJ patients and 22 healthy controls were used for the measurements of mandibular cortical thickness (MCT), fractal dimension (FD), lacunarity, mean gray value (MGV), bone area fraction (BA/TA), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), trabecular number (Tb.N). MCT was measured in the mental foramen region. While FD and lacunarity were measured on mandibular trabecular and cortical regions-of-interest (ROIs), the remaining parameters were measured on trabecular ROIs. The independent samples t-test was used to compare the measurements between the MRONJ and control groups for both imaging modalities (P = .05).

RESULTS

MCT was the only parameter that differentiated MRONJ-affected bone in both PR and CBCT (P < .05). None of the remaining parameters revealed any difference for MRONJ-affected bone in CBCT (P > .05). FD, lacunarity, MGV, BA/TA, and Tb.Sp could distinguish MRONJ-affected trabecular bone in PR (P < .05). The correspondent ROI for both imaging methods that was reliable for detecting MRONJ-affected bone was the trabecular bone distal to the mental foramen above the inferior alveolar canal (ROI-3).

CONCLUSIONS

MCT is a reliable parameter for the discrimination of MRONJ-affected bone in both PR and CBCT images. PR may be used to detect MRONJ-affected trabecular bone using FD, lacunarity, MGV, BA/TA, and Tb.Sp measurements as well.

Precursor Radiographic Findings in Patients With Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

BACKGROUND

Oral surgical treatment, such as tooth extraction, has been identified as a risk factor for the onset of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). However, MRONJ may already be latent, and its manifestation may be triggered by extraction.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between pre-extraction imaging and MRONJ.

STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE

We performed a multicenter case-control analysis of patients receiving antiresorptive agents (ARAs) who underwent extraction between 2012 and 2016. We enrolled patients who had undergone tooth extraction in the setting of ARA exposure.

PREDICTOR VARIABLES

The predictor variables comprised preoperative radiographic findings associated with MRONJ stage 0. These findings included alveolar bone loss, thickening or obscuring of the periodontal ligament, and osteosclerosis involving the alveolar bone. They were coded as present or absent before tooth extraction.

MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE

The primary outcome variable was MRONJ status coded as present or absent.

COVARIATES

Sex, age, underlying diseases necessitating the administration of ARA, the type of ARA used, corticosteroid use, extraction region, and wound closure were analyzed.

ANALYSES

Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, Fisher's exact test for univariate analysis, and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. P values < .05 were significant.

RESULTS

The subjects consisted of 26 patients and 110 controls (male: 8/36, female: 18/74). The mean ages of the MRONJ group and the control group were 77.0 ± 11.9 and 63.0 ± 15.8, respectively (P value = .001). The prevalence of osteosclerosis was significantly higher in the MRONJ group than in the control group (14/72, 53.9%/29.3%, P < .01). Multivariate analysis identified osteosclerosis (odds ratio: 8.4, 95% confidence interval: 2.133.9, P < .01) as a significant independent predictor associated with the development of MRONJ after extraction.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that a precursor to MRONJ is highly likely to be present in patients with osteosclerosis at the time of extraction. The majority of patients who developed MRONJ after extraction had imaging findings that suggested infection in the surrounding alveolar bone.

Bone pattern changes in post liver transplant patients using bisphosphonates

OBJECTIVE

To identify radiographic findings suggestive of drug-induced osteonecrosis and evaluate radiomorphometric patterns indicative of changes in bone mineral density in individuals transplanted for liver disorders using bisphosphonates.

STUDY DESIGN

The study group included panoramic x-rays of liver transplant patients who are being monitored and who present a clinical status of osteoporosis and use bisphosphonates. The control group was made up of liver transplant patients who did not have osteoporosis. On panoramic radiographs, mental index (MI) and mandibular cortical index (MCI) and the presence of radiographic anomalies suggestive of osteonecrosis were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were significant statistical results when comparing the groups in relation to the decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) with MCI-C3 (p = 0.036), however, there were none in relation to MI (p = 0.14). There were no valid statistical results when relating MCI (p = 0.94) and MI (p = 0.66) with reduced BMD and use of bisphosphonates.

CONCLUSION

Liver transplant individuals using bisphosphonates present greater radiographic signs of bone sclerosis suggestive of a greater propensity to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw and an increased risk of presenting changes suggestive of reduced bone mineral density on panoramic radiographs when compared to liver transplant individuals not using bisphosphonates.

Risk factors for dental findings of the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: Investigation of 3734 teeth in cancer patients receiving high dose antiresorptive agents

Background/purpose

Local infection is a risk factor for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), along with invasive dental treatment of the bone; the tooth that is the source of infection should be extracted prior to the administration of bone resorption inhibitors. However, which teeth should be extracted remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dental findings prior to high-dose antiresorptive agent (ARA) administration and the subsequent development of MRONJ.

Materials and methods

Patients with cancer who were scheduled to receive high-dose ARAs and referred to our hospital between 2011 and 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Apical lesions, enlargement of the periodontal space, thickening of the lamina dura, alveolar bone resorption of >1/3, periapical osteosclerosis, and local infection symptoms in each tooth were investigated using medical records and panoramic radiographs.

Results

A total of 172 patients, 329 jaws, and 3734 teeth were registered. MRONJ developed in 68 teeth in 33 jaws of 32 patients. In tooth-by-tooth analysis, fewer teeth (P < 0.001), apical lesions (P < 0.001), periapical osteosclerosis (P < 0.001), local infection symptoms (P = 0.002), and one or more dental findings (P < 0.001) were significant factors for MRONJ development. In jaw-by-jaw analysis, old age, local infection symptoms, and number of radiographic abnormalities per tooth were significant. In patient-by-patient analysis, patients with diabetes and those with fewer teeth developed MRONJ.

Conclusion

Patients with fewer teeth, apical lesions, periapical osteosclerosis, and local infection were more likely to develop MRONJ. Therefore, these teeth should be treated as much as possible before ARA administration.

Antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw risk in cancer patients before bone-modifying agent therapy: A retrospective study of 511 patients

INTRODUCTION

Antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) is a serious adverse event associated with therapies for advanced cancer involving bone-modifying agents (BMAs). Although many studies have investigated the risk factors for ARONJ, none have provided sufficient clarifications. We aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between tooth extraction before BMA therapy and the development of ARONJ.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included 511 patients who were admitted to our department before BMA therapy. The incidence of ARONJ and its risk factors was retrospectively evaluated, focusing on tooth extraction before BMA therapy and radiological findings of the extracted tooth.

RESULTS

Of the 511 patients, 135 underwent tooth extraction before undergoing BMA therapy. ARONJ was observed in 17.7 % and 7.2 % of patients in the extraction and non-extraction groups, respectively (p = 0.0002). Regarding the findings of panoramic radiographs before tooth extraction, the incidence of periapical disease was significantly higher in the ARONJ group than that in the non-ARONJ group (50 % and 27 %, respectively, p = 0.034), and the proportion of bone sclerotic changes in the surrounding teeth was significantly higher in the ARONJ group (58.3 %) than in the non-ARONJ group (24.4 %) (p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSION

The presence of a hopeless tooth that requires extraction prior to BMA therapy is a risk factor for MRONJ. However, extraction of such teeth should be considered, as this is known to decrease the risk of MRONJ development after BMA therapy initiation. Moreover, the radiological findings of periapical disease and bone sclerotic changes in the extracted teeth identified in this study can be used as novel predictive factors for ARONJ.

Three-dimensional clinical assessment for MRONJ risk in oncologic patients following tooth extractions

OBJECTIVES

To identify clinical and local radiographic predictors for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) by the assessment of pre-operative CBCT images of oncologic patients treated with anti-resorptive drugs (ARDs) undergoing tooth extractions.

METHODS

This retrospective, longitudinal, case-control study included clinical and imaging data of 97 patients, divided into study and control group. Patients in the study group (n = 47; 87 tooth extractions) had received at least one dose of ARD, undergone tooth extraction(s), and had a pre-operative CBCT. An age-, gender-, and tooth extraction-matched control group (n = 50; 106 tooth extractions) was selected. Three calibrated, blinded, and independent examiners evaluated each tooth extraction site. Statistical analysis used χ2/Fisher's exact/Mann-Whitney U test to contrast control and study group, ARD type used, and sites with or without MRONJ development. p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

From the study group, 15 patients (32%) and 33 sites (38%) developed MRONJ after tooth extraction. When controls were compared to study sites, the latter showed significantly more thickening of the lamina dura, widened periodontal ligament space, osteosclerosis, osteolysis, and sequestrum formation. In the study group, MRONJ risk significantly increased in patients who had multiple tooth extractions, were smokers, and had shorter drug holidays. Periosteal reaction and sequestrum formation may indicate latent MRONJ lesions. Additionally, patients given bisphosphonates showed considerably more osteosclerosis than those given denosumab.

CONCLUSIONS

Periosteal reaction and sequestrum formation are suspected to be pre-clinical MRONJ lesions. Furthermore, ARD induced bony changes and radiographic variations between ARD types were seen.

Post biphosphonate mandible osteonecrosis: A case study and literature review

Purpose

Bisphosphonates have proven effective in reducing pain and skeletal events in bone metastases treatment. However, there is a long-term complication called osteonecrosis of the jaw, which has been reported for more than a decade. Despite various professional recommendations, there is no international consensus on the best therapeutic strategy. Prevention is crucial, and a multidisciplinary approach must be tailored to each stage of the condition.

Design

We present a case of osteonecrosis of the jaw in a patient with metastatic breast cancer who was receiving 4 mg injectable zoledronic acid.

Result

The patient stopped treatment with zoledronic acid and received systemic treatment (analgesics, antibiotics), with the resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion

ONJ is a serious condition associated with taking BP that can impact oral health and quality of life. Our study highlights the effectiveness of systematic treatment in managing ONJ with BP-related alterations. Preventative measures, such as regular dental consultations, play a vital role in reducing the risk of ONJ. Multidisciplinary management is essential to addressing the different stages of the condition.

Diagnostic accuracy comparing OPT and CBCT in the detection of non-vital bone changes before tooth extractions in patients with antiresorptive intake

OBJECTIVES

To compare the diagnostic accuracy in detecting early non-vital bone changes between orthopantomography (OPT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in correlation with histopathological findings before tooth extractions in patients with antiresorptive (AR) intake.

SUBJECTS

Patients with an indication tooth extraction who had received OPT and CBCT preoperatively while or after undergoing AR treatment were prospectively enrolled over a 24-month period in the progesterone in spontaneous miscarriage (PRISM) trial. Imaging studies were randomly analyzed by three examiners for early non-vital bone changes using specific predefined characteristics and a 5-level scale (1 definite absence of criteria to 5 definite presence of criteria). Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated in correlation with the histopathologically evaluated bone samples at the time point of tooth extraction.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty patients with 237 treated extraction sites met the inclusion criteria. For all images evaluated by all examiners, CBCT (430/492; 87.4%; receiver operating characteristic [ROC]: area under the curve [AUC] = 0.88; p < 0.001) was more likely to detect histopathologically confirmed non-vital bone than the OPT (132/492; 26.8%; ROC: AUC = 0.562; p = 0.115).

CONCLUSIONS

In the detection of non-vital bone changes, CBCT is superior to OPT in both sensitivity and specificity. Specific imaging characteristics allow for the prediction of early non-vital bone changes already at the time before tooth extractions.

Radiographic perception of anatomical structures and bony changes in oncologic patients under antiresorptive therapy

PURPOSE

To assess radiographic presentation of anatomical structures, bony changes and soft tissue calcifications on panoramic radiographs of oncologic patients under high dose antiresorptive drug therapy (ART) before exposure to dental extraction.

METHODS

Panoramic radiographs of 57 patients under ART, taken previously to tooth extraction, and 57 control patients were evaluated by two oral radiologists regarding bone pattern, anatomical structures visibility, estimation of cortical width, mandibular cortical index (MCI), and presence of soft tissue calcifications. Parameters were compared between ART and age- and gender-matched healthy control groups. Bone patterns were further assessed by regions with or without tooth extractions and according to uneventful healing or MRONJ development. All comparisons were made using chi-square test with significance level set at 5%.

RESULTS

Mandible and posterior maxilla presented more sclerotic bone patterns in patients under ART, regardless of tooth extraction and MRONJ development status (p < 0.05). Heterogeneous bone pattern was identified in two regions that both were subsequently affected by MRONJ. Anatomical structure visibility and presence of soft tissue calcifications was not different among groups (p > 0.05). ART patients showed significantly more C0 (thickening) and C1 MCI (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Sclerotic bone pattern and thicker mandibular cortices may represent a consequence of ART rather than MRONJ specific findings. Prospective studies on larger patient samples radiographically followed-up during the ART treatment are advised, with specific attention to heterogenous trabecular bone pattern as a possible MRONJ predictor.

Radiographic predictors for MRONJ in oncologic patients undergoing tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is a risk factor for the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw following treatment with antiresorptive drugs (ARDs), but not all extraction sites develop this pathology. Therefore, we aimed to identify local radiographic predictors of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) in panoramic images of oncologic patients undergoing tooth extraction. Based on a retrospective longitudinal cohort study design, patients were included if undergoing one or more tooth extraction, with at least one administration of ARDs, and presence of pre- and post-operative panoramic radiographs. After data collection, blinded and independent observations were performed. Eleven distinct imaging-related parameters were assessed preoperatively and five postoperatively, at each extraction site. A case-control and subgroup analysis assessing MRONJ development was performed. Significance level is set to 0.05 (5%). A total of 77 oncologic patients were selected, undergoing 218 tooth extractions, from which 63 teeth (29%) in 39 patients (51%) developed MRONJ. Results showed that patients developed significantly more MRONJ with longer ARD treatment (p = 0.057), teeth with absent and incomplete endodontic fillings with caries, widened periodontal ligament space and/or periapical lesions (p = 0.005), and sclerotic and heterogenous bone patterns (p = 0.005). In conclusion, tooth extraction sites presenting with infections and bone sclerosis are at higher risk to develop MRONJ.

Infection as an Important Factor in Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has become a well-known side effect of antiresorptive, and antiangiogenic drugs commonly used in cancer management. Despite a considerable amount of literature addressing MRONJ, it is still widely accepted that the underlying pathomechanism of MRONJ is unclear. However, several clinical and preclinical studies indicate that infection seems to have a major role in the pathogenesis of MRONJ. Although there is no conclusive evidence for the infection hypothesis yet, available data have shown a robust association between local infection and MRONJ development. This observation is very critical in order to implement policies to reduce the risk of MRONJ in patients under antiresorptive drugs. This critical review was conducted to collect the most reliable evidence regarding the link between local infection and MRONJ pathogenesis.

Do various imaging modalities provide potential early detection and diagnosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw? A review

OBJECTIVE

Patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) often visit their dentists at advanced stages and subsequently require treatments that greatly affect quality of life. Currently, no clear diagnostic criteria exist to assess MRONJ, and the definitive diagnosis solely relies on clinical bone exposure. This ambiguity leads to a diagnostic delay, complications, and unnecessary burden. This article aims to identify imaging modalities' usage and findings of MRONJ to provide possible approaches for early detection.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library to review all diagnostic imaging modalities for MRONJ.

RESULTS

Panoramic radiography offers a fundamental understanding of the lesions. Imaging findings were comparable between non-exposed and exposed MRONJ, showing osteolysis, osteosclerosis, and thickened lamina dura. Mandibular cortex index Class II could be a potential early MRONJ indicator. While three-dimensional modalities, CT and CBCT, were able to show more features unique to MRONJ such as a solid type periosteal reaction, buccal predominance of cortical perforation, and bone-within-bone appearance. MRI signal intensities of vital bones are hypointense on T₁WI and hyperintense on T₂WI and STIR when necrotic bone shows hypointensity on all T₁WI, T₂WI, and STIR. Functional imaging is the most sensitive method but is usually performed in metastasis detection rather than being a diagnostic tool for early MRONJ.

CONCLUSION

Currently, MRONJ-specific imaging features cannot be firmly established. However, the current data are valuable as it may lead to a more efficient diagnostic procedure along with a more suitable selection of imaging modalities.

Differences between bisphosphonate-related and denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Bisphosphonates and denosumab are both antiresorptive medications, each with their own mechanism of action; yet both may result in the same adverse effect: medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). The present systematic review aims to answer the following question: "Are bisphosphonate-related ONJ and denosumab-related ONJ any different, regarding clinical and imaging aspects?"

METHODS

This review followed the Joanna Briggs Review's Manual, and the searches were performed on PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases and on the grey literature (ProQuest, Open Grey, and Google Scholar).

RESULTS

The searches resulted in 7535 articles that were critically assessed. Based on the selection criteria, seven studies were included in the review: five cross-sectional studies and two randomized clinical trials. A total of 7755 patients composed the final population. An increase in bone sequestra, cortical bone lysis, and bone density was observed in bisphosphonate-related ONJ, while larger bone sequestra, more frequent periosteal reactions, and mandibular canal enhancement were noted in denosumab-related ONJ.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review demonstrated that the imaging characteristics of bisphosphonate-related and denosumab-related ONJ are not similar. Although clinically similar conditions, they were found to be radiographically distinct. More studies are necessary to further elucidate these differences.

Autofluorescence-guided surgery for the treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ): a retrospective single-center study

OBJECTIVE

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has become a serious concern for patients under antiresorptive treatment, especially in the oncological setting. Different approaches have been described in the management of MRONJ, including innovative autofluorescence-guided surgery. However, until now, there has been a lack of data regarding the outcome. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of minimally invasive autofluorescence-guided resection in MRONJ.

STUDY DESIGN

Seventy-five patients with 82 lesions were included in this retrospective, single-center study. All included patients were diagnosed with MRONJ according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons guidelines and underwent autofluorescence-guided surgery with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. The primary outcome was complete integrity of the mucosa and absence of bone exposure.

RESULTS

The MRONJ stages were stage 0 (3.7%), stage 1 (3.7%), stage 2 (75.6%), and stage 3 (17%). Overall, complete mucosal healing of all lesions after the first surgery was 81.7% (67 of 82), whereas it was 90.2% (74 of 82) after revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that autofluorescence-guided surgery is a safe and successful treatment option that can be considered for all stages of MRONJ.

The first quantitative histomorphological analyses of bone vitality and inflammation in surgical specimens of patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to categorize the vitality and inflammation of resected bone of patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and to correlate the grade of inflammation with the surgical success.

METHODS

This prospective study includes 44 patients with stage III MRONJ. Necrotic bone was resected in a block fashioned way. After demineralization and staining, histological analyses were performed by measuring the areas of necrotic, vital, and regenerative bone. Areas of chronic and acute inflammation were categorized as non, mild, moderate, and severe and were correlated with surgical success and parameters of inflammation in blood plasma (C-reactive protein and leukocytes).

RESULTS

An average area of 59.0% was necrotic in the examined specimen. Vital bone was measured with an average area of 40.9%. The stage of chronic inflammation correlated with the amount of vital bone (P < .001) and the success of surgery (P = .002). If acute inflammation was dominant, chronic inflammation areas were found less while necrotic areas were observed more (P < .001). Also, the risk of relapses, wound healing disorders, and the level of C-reactive protein were elevated if acute inflammation was severe or moderate (P = .031). Areas of bone regeneration were seen only in 11.3% of vital bone areas and occurred independently of infection stages.

CONCLUSION

If possible, surgery should be delayed in patients with signs of severe acute inflammation. Patients may profit from prolonged pre-operative antibiotic therapy to reduce the level of acute inflammation.

Early imaging signs of the use of antiresorptive medication and MRONJ: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The main aim is to identify, by means of different imaging modalities, the early bone changes in patients "at risk" and in stage 0 MRONJ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of the literature was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, until June 9, 2020. No language or year restrictions were applied. Screening of the articles, data collection, and qualitative analysis was done. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for observational studies, and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation's (SYRCLE) risk of bias tool for the animal studies.

RESULTS

A total of 1188 articles were found, from which 47 were considered eligible, whereas 42 were suitable for the qualitative analysis. They correspond to 39 human studies and 8 animal studies. Radiographic findings such as bone sclerosis, osteolytic areas, thickening of lamina dura, persisting alveolar socket, periapical radiolucency, thicker mandibular cortex, widening of the periodontal ligament space, periodontal bone loss, and enhancement of the mandibular canal were identified as early bone changes due to antiresorptive therapy. All those findings were also reported later in Stage 0 patients.

CONCLUSION

The main limitations of these results are the lack of prospective data and comparisons groups; therefore, careful interpretation should be made. It is a fact that radiographic findings are present in antiresorptive-treated patients, but the precise timepoint of occurrence, their relation to the posology, and potential risk to develop MRONJ are not clear.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The importance of a baseline radiographic diagnosis for antiresorptive-treated patients.

Computed tomography imaging features of osteomyelitis of the jaw: comparison between antiresorptive medication-related conditions and medication-unrelated conditions

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the imaging features of osteomyelitis according to the presence or absence of antiresorptive medications by using computed tomography (CT).

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 270 patients with osteomyelitis (83 males and 187 females; average age 66.6 years). CT imaging features were analyzed, and imaging and demographic features were compared between the medication-related osteomyelitis (MROM) group and the medication-unrelated osteomyelitis (MUOM) group.

RESULTS

Trabecular defects, cortical defects, sclerosis, and sequestra were detected in the majority of patients, whereas periosteal new bone formation was less common. The MROM group exhibited sequestra and periosteal new bone formation more frequently on CT images, but the size and appearance of the sequestra and type of periosteal new bone were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Sequestra and periosteal new bone formation were characteristic CT features of osteomyelitis more commonly found in the medication-related condition. These findings may be useful in the evaluation of osteomyelitis and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Symposium: Imaging modalities for drug-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (4), CT and MR imaging findings of antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaws/medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (secondary publication)

Generally, CT and MR images of antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ)/medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) show nonspecific findings as seen in active osteomyelitis．However, there are some characteristics as follows; unilateral maxillary sinusitis adjacent to ipsilateral maxillary ARONJ/MRONJ, DRONJ presenting larger sequestrum and periosteal reaction more frequently than BRONJ, BRONJ resulting from intravenous administration of the drug presenting larger and more frequent buccolingual cortical bone perforations than BRONJ from oral administration, and better diagnostic accuracy of extent of perilesional soft tissue inflammation on MR imaging than CT. The CT and MR imaging features of ARONJ/MRONJ are summarized in this report.

Prevalence of radiographic findings on jaws exposed to antiresorptive therapy: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES:

Determine the prevalence of radiographic findings (RF) on both jaws among patients receiving antiresorptive bone therapy.

METHODS:

Six electronic databases and partial grey literature were searched. Data was collected based on predetermined criteria. The key features from the included studies were extracted. The MAStARI tool assessed the potential risk of bias (RoB) among the studies, while the GRADE approach determined the level of evidence.

RESULTS:

29 studies were identified and included in the qualitative analysis, totalling 1133 patients. 27 studies had sufficient data to be included in a series of meta-analysis reporting 12 types of radiographic findings, and were split in two groups based on their study design. G1 comprised descriptive observational studies and G2 analytical cross-sectional studies. Two studies presented a high RoB, 16 had a moderate RoB, and 11 had low RoB. The overall level of evidence identified was very low. The most frequent RF were mixed lytic-sclerotic areas (73.88%), followed by osteolytic changes (66.18%), osteosclerosis (65.75%), cortical bone erosion (50.83%), persisting alveolar socket (45.77%), periodontal ligament (PDL) widening (44.69%), and inferior alveolar canal (IAC) involvement (43.40%). Less frequent, but equally important, were the periosteal reaction (34.27%), lamina dura thickening (32.97%), sequestrum (29.94%), pathologic fracture (20.90%), and density confluence of cortical and cancellous bone (16.61%). 20 patients reported no signs.

CONCLUSIONS:

RF prevalence was high and mainly included mixed lytic-sclerotic areas, osteolysis, osteosclerosis, cortical bone erosion, persisting alveolar socket, PDL-widening, IAC-involvement. Due to the very low level of evidence (GRADE) caution should be exercised when considering these findings.

The rise and fall of the alveolar process: Dependency of teeth and metabolic aspects

The alveolar bone has a unique capacity to follow the teeth's movements. It is formed around erupting teeth and their periodontal ligaments: the more the teeth have erupted, the larger the alveolar process. Throughout life the teeth erupt and migrate in an occlusal and mesial direction to compensate for attrition, an evolutionary trait. After tooth extraction, the alveolar process is resorbed to varying degrees. The mandibular alveolar bone mirrors skeletal bone condition. Due to fast bone turnover (which is the fastest in the whole skeleton), low bone mass and increased fracture risk may first be seen here. If a periapical radiograph of the mandibular premolars shows a dense trabeculation with well-mineralized trabeculae and small intertrabecular spaces, it is a reliable sign of normal skeletal bone density (BMD) and low skeletal fracture risk, whereas a sparse trabecular pattern indicates osteopenia and high fracture risk. The bone turnover rate in the mandible is twice that of the maxilla, and may, hypothetically, play a role in the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which has been found mainly in the mandibular alveolar process?

CT imaging features of antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw/medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

OBJECTIVES

Antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ)/medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) include both bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of jaw (BRONJ) and denosumab-related osteonecrosis of jaw (DRONJ). The purpose of this study is to study radiological characteristics of ARONJ/MRONJ. These imaging features may serve as one useful aid for assessing ARONJ/MRONJ.

METHODS

CT scans of 74 Japanese patients, who were clinically diagnosed by inclusion criteria of ARONJ/MRONJ, obtained between April 1, 2011 and September 30, 2016, were evaluated. We investigated the CT imaging features of ARONJ/MRONJ, and clarified radiological differentiation between BRONJ and DRONJ, BRONJ due to oral bisphosphonate administration and due to intravenous bisphosphonate administration, BRONJ with respective kinds of medication, BRONJ with long-term administration and short-term administration, BRONJ with each clinical staging respectively. Fisher's exact test, χ² test, Student's t-test and analysis of variance were performed in the statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Unilateral maxillary sinusitis was detected in all patients with upper ARONJ/MRONJ (100%). DRONJ showed large sequestrum more frequently than BRONJ (3/4, 75 vs 3/35, 8.6%, p < 0.05). DRONJ showed periosteal reaction more frequently than BRONJ (4/10, 40 vs 7/65, 10.1%, p < 0.05). Patients of BRONJ resulting from intravenous bisphosphonate administration showed larger and more frequent buccolingual cortical bone perforations than BRONJ resulting from oral bisphosphonate administration (7/8, 87.5 vs 11/30, 36.7%, p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between CT findings and respective kinds of medication, long/short-term administration, clinical stages of BRONJ.

CONCLUSIONS

ARONJ/MRONJ has characteristic CT image findings which could be useful for its assessment.

Characteristic Multimodal Imaging of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Comparison Between Oral and Parenteral Routes of Medication Administration

Background

To assess multimodal imaging features of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and to analyze the differences between oral and parenteral routes of medication administration. We retrospectively reviewed panoramic radiographs, CT, MRI, and bone scintigraphy of patients with MRONJ.

Material/Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 16 patients with MRONJ who underwent panoramic radiography, CT, MRI, and bone scintigraphy. Statistical analysis for the comparison between routes of medication administration and multimodal imaging features was performed with the Pearson’s χ² test.

Results

The percentage of cases with sequestrum separation was 25.0% (4/16 cases) on panoramic radiography and 81.3% (13/16 cases) on CT. The percentage of cases with periosteal bone proliferation on CT was 41.7% (5/12 cases) in the oral route of administration vs. 100% (4/4 cases) in the parenteral route of administration (p=0.042). The percentage of cases with spread of soft tissue inflammation to buccal and other spaces on CT and MRI was 33.3% (4/12 cases) in the oral route of administration vs. 100% (4/4 cases) in the parenteral route of administration (p=0.021).

Conclusions

The sequestrum separation on panoramic radiography in patients with MRONJ was unclear in comparison to CT. Furthermore, characteristic CT findings of patients with MRONJ in the parenteral administration group were periosteal bone proliferation and spread of soft tissue inflammation to buccal and other spaces.

Identifying MRONJ-affected bone with digital fusion of functional imaging (FI) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT): case reports and hypothesis

Surgical debridement of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) lesions is far less predictable than lesion resection. Margins for surgical debridement are guided by surrogate markers of bone viability, such as bleeding and bone fluorescence, which limit debridement to visibly necrotic bone. In contrast, surgical resection is extensive, including a substantial portion of surrounding bone. The concept that the MRONJ lesion is a composite of affected but viable ("compromised") and necrotic bone is supported by histopathological data. Hence, removing only the necrotic bone during lesion debridement could inadvertently leave behind residual compromised bone in the lesion, subsequently contributing to persistence or reestablishment of the lesion. Using 2 case reports, this manuscript illustrates a novel assessment of the MRONJ lesion to enable demarcation of both the compromised and necrotic portions of the lesion. This assessment uses tumor-surveillance functional bone imaging data that may already be available for cancer patients with MRONJ and fuses these data digitally with computed tomography/cone-beam computed tomography imaging of the jaw obtained during MRONJ assessment. If validated, preoperative functional imaging-based assessment of the MRONJ lesion could enable surgeons to eliminate both the compromised and nonviable portions of the lesion precisely with conservative debridement, matching surgical resection in outcome.