Sella Turcica Abnormalities, Dental Age and Dental Abnormalities in Polish Children

A Narrative Review of the Association between Dental Abnormalities and Chemotherapy

Dental abnormalities are often detected in childhood and are reported to occur with high prevalence in patients who have undergone cancer treatment or chemotherapy. We performed a literature search of PubMed from 2004 to 2024 using the terms "dental anomaly" and "panoramic examination", and 298 potentially relevant articles were found. Thirty-one articles about dental abnormalities matched the eligibility criteria and were extracted for this review. Although the prevalence of tooth agenesis and microdontia in the general population was reported to be approximately 10% and 3%, respectively, the prevalence in patients who had undergone cancer treatment or chemotherapy was higher in all surveys, suggesting that the treatment is related to the occurrence of dental abnormalities. It is important to continue long-term follow-up with patients not only during treatment but also after the completion of treatment. Dental professionals should provide information about dental abnormalities to patients, their guardians, and medical professionals, which may lead to improvement in the quality of life of patients.

Calcification patterns and morphology of Sella turcica are related to anteroposterior skeletal malocclusions: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The sphenoid bone is an irregular, unpaired, symmetrical bone located in the middle of the anterior skull and is involved in craniofacial growth and development. Since the morphology of Sella turcica (ST) is associated with different craniofacial patterns, this study aimed to investigate if there is a correlation between ST morphology on the one hand and sagittal craniofacial patterns on the other hand.

METHODS

This study was conducted with a convenience sample that included Brazilian individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment. Lateral cephalograms were used to evaluate the calcification pattern and morphology of ST, as well as skeletal class by analyzing the ANB angle. Pearson's chi-square test with Bonferroni post-hoc test was performed to evaluate the association between ST calcification pattern and morphology, and anteroposterior skeletal malocclusion. The established significance level was 0.05.

RESULTS

The study collective was comprised of 305 orthodontic patients (178 (58.4 %) female, 127 (41.6 %) male), who had a mean age of 23.2 (±10.6) years. 131 participants (42.9 %) presented skeletal class I, 142 (46.6%) skeletal Class II, and 32 (10.5%) had a skeletal class III. The degree of prognathism of the mandible showed a homogenous distribution within the study collective (91 (29.9 %) orthognathic, 100 (32.9 %) retrognathic, 113 (37.2 %) prognathic mandible). Concerning the maxilla, 92 (30.2%) individuals presented an orthognathic upper jaw, whereas 60 (19.7%) showed maxillary retrognathism and 153 (50.2%) maxillary prognathism. Compared to patients with skeletal class I, skeletal class III individuals presented significantly more hypertrophic posterior clinoid process (p<0.007) and pyramidal shape of the dorsum of the ST (p<0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the hypertrophic posterior clinoid process and pyramidal shape of the ST dorsum are more prevalent in individuals with skeletal class III malocclusion.

Relationship of the Morphology and Size of Sella Turcica with Dental Anomalies and Skeletal Malocclusions

This study aimed to assess the relationship of the morphology and size of the sella turcica (ST) with dental anomalies and skeletal malocclusions. This cross-sectional study was conducted on records of fixed orthodontic patients treated between 2013 and 2022. Cephalometric analysis was performed to determine the anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns. Preoperative panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms, intraoral photographs, and primary dental casts of patients were used to detect dental anomalies. Gender, sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, dental anomalies, and dimensions (length, depth, and diameter), and morphology of the ST were all recorded according to the lateral cephalograms of patients. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way and two-way ANOVA, Chi-square test, and log rank test (alpha = 0.05). The depth and diameter of the ST had no significant correlation with gender (p > 0.05); however, the length of the ST was significantly longer in males than females (p < 0.05). The morphology of the ST had a significant correlation with gender (p < 0.05). The ST morphology had a significant correlation with the anteroposterior skeletal pattern, microdontia, and tooth impaction as well (p < 0.05). The present results revealed a significant correlation of the ST morphology with the anteroposterior skeletal pattern, microdontia, and tooth impaction.

Morphology of the Sella Turcica: A Meta-Analysis Based on the Results of 18,364 Patients

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis aimed to present data on the sella turcica (ST) morphology and variations. Furthermore, a detailed morphometric analysis of the ST was conducted.

METHODS

Major online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched through. The overall search process was conducted in three stages.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis was based on the results of 18,364 patients and demonstrates the most up-to-date and relevant data regarding the morphology of the ST in the available literature. Four classification methods of the ST shape can be distinguished, in which the most commonly occurring variants are the normal ST (55.56%), the U-shaped ST (73.58%), the circular type of ST (42.29%), and non-bridging ST (55.64%). The overall midpoint height of the ST was 6.59 mm (SE = 0.13). The overall length of the ST was 9.06 mm (SE = 0.15). The overall volume of the ST was 845.80 mm3 (SE = 288.92). Four main classification methods of ST morphology can be distinguished in the available literature. Various morphometric characteristics of the ST may be applied in clinical practice to evaluate its shape, dimensions, and normal or pathological variants.

Morphological Variations and Anomalies of the Sella Turcica on Lateral Cephalograms of Cleft-Palate-Only (CPO) Patients

Sella turcica abnormalities were reported in malocclusions and clefts. No studies were found on sella turcica abnormalities in CPO patients. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of sella turcica abnormalities on cephalometric radiographs in CPO versus non-cleft orthodontic patients. Cephalograms of CPO patients (n = 89) and controls (n = 89) were analyzed for normal sella turcicae and sella turcica abnormalities. Then, cephalometric analysis was performed using specialized software. Statistical analysis was performed using the Rv.4.1.1 package. No variation in or anomaly of the sella turcica was more frequent in CPO compared to non-cleft individuals. Patients with hypertrophic posterior clinoid process had higher interincisal and 1+:Nasion-A angles. Subjects with hypertrophic posterior clinoid process and double contour of the floor had higher Sella-Nasion-A, Sella-Nasion-B and Sella-Nasion-Pogonion and lower ANB. A pyramidal shape of the dorsum sellae was more prevalent in males, as was double contour of the floor in females. Subjects with an oblique anterior wall had lower SNB, GntgoAr and NLA. Subjects with a normal sella had higher SNPg, ML-NSL and 1+:NAmm. A normal sella was more prevalent in younger patients. CPO is not associated with sella turcica abnormalities compared to non-cleft orthodontic patients.

Morphometric evaluation of sella turcica and cranial base in patients with congenital absence of teeth

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the size and shape of sella turcica and cranial base in patients with different degrees of congenital absence of teeth.

METHODS

The subjects comprised 322 patients from the Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University from 2020 to 2021. Based on the number of congenital absence of teeth, the patients were divided into three groups: control group (without loss of teeth, n=112), group Ⅰ (loss of 1-2 teeth, n=104), and group Ⅱ (loss of 3 or more teeth, n=106). Uceph cephalometric software was used to measure the linear and angular parameters of cranial base. The length, depth, and diameter of sella turcica were also calculated. The shape of sella turcica was described as normal or with aberrations. Analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis H test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were conducted with SPSS 21.0.

RESULTS

No statistical differences were observed in the length, depth, and diameter of sella turcica and parameters related to the cranial base among the three groups (P>0.05). The incidence of sella turcica bridge among the three groups was statistically significant (P=0.013). The incidence was higher in the study group compared with the control group (P<0.05), and no significant difference was observed between groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the linear size of sella turcica and parameters related to the cranial base was not statistically different between normal subjects and patients with congenital absence of teeth, the incidence of sella turcica bridge was higher in patients with congenital absence of teeth, suggesting the possibly abnormal anatomical morphology of sella turcica in this population.

Relationship between Craniovertebral Abnormalities and Maxillary Lateral Incisors Agenesis: A Case-Control Study

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate whether the sella turcica bridging (STB) and ponticulus posticous (PP) are associated with the congenital missing maxillary lateral incisor (CMMLI), based on lateral cephalograms of patients who needed orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods

This case-control study examined 160 panoramic images and lateral cephalograms of 2000 patients seeking orthodontic treatment. The case group included 80 patients with CMMLI (40 with unilateral and 40 with bilateral CMMLI) and the control group included 80 patients without CMMLI. Panoramic images were used to diagnose CMMLI and lateral cephalograms showed STB and PP extension. The researchers used statistical analyses to examine the relationship among STB, PP, and CMMLI (P < 0.05).

Results

The prevalence of STB type I, II, and III was 47.5%, 35%, and 17.5% in the case group and 72.5%, 22.5%, and 5% in the control group, respectively, determining a positive relationship between CMMLI and STB and a significant relationship between bilateral CMMLI and STB (P < 0.05 for both). The prevalence of normal, incomplete, and complete PP extension was 80%, 5%, and 15% in the case group and 82.5%, 5%, and 12.5% in the control group, respectively. There was no significant relationship between CMMLI and PP extension (P > 0.05) and between the STB and the PP extension (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

CMMLI was significantly related to STB but not to PP extension. Investigating the relationship between unilateral/bilateral CMMLI, STB, and PP has shown only a significant relationship between bilateral CMMLI and STB. There was no significant relationship between STB and PP extension.