title: Evaluation of panoramic radiomorphometric indices related to low bone density in sickle cell disease.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  In sickle cell disease, erythroid hyperplasia causes trabecular destruction leading to low bone density. This condition could be suspected by the radiomorphometric indices and your diagnosis becomes relevant in a multidisciplinary context of health care for sickle cell subjects, providing prognostics and contributing to determine adequate therapeutic and preventive actions.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to assess the risk of low bone density in subjects with sickle cell disease (SCD) through analysis of panoramic radiographic exams by radiomorphometric indices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-eight Brazilian subjects with SCD took part in this study and were subdivided into four groups: (I) 31 SCD subjects aged under 40 years; (II) 13 SCD subjects aged 40 years or more; (III) 12 normal subjects aged under 40 years; and (IV) 22 normal subjects aged 40 years or more. In the panoramic radiographs, the mandibular cortical index (MCI) classification, increased spacing of the trabecular bone, panoramic mandibular index (PMI), and mental index (MI) were evaluated. Exact Fisher's test was used to compare age between the different groups. Descriptive analysis of the data was performed to evaluate the simple visual estimation of low bone density (increased bone trabecular space and MCI), and a one-way analysis of variance (Bonferroni criteria) was used to compare the means of the quantitative indices (PMI and MI). The significance level was p < 0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the MCI classification, C2 was more prevalent, especially in groups I and IV. Increased spacing of the trabecular bone was more frequent in groups I and II. MI did not show a statistically significant difference among the groups. PMI showed a statistically significant difference only between groups III and IV.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The radiomorphometric indices applied in the present study can be used on panoramic radiographs to detect the presence of low bone density in SCD subjects.
authors: Department of Oral Diagnosis, Division of Oral Radiology, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Av Limeira, 901, Areião, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, 13414-018. fredsampaio@yahoo.com.br
authors: F S
authors: FS
authors: Neves
authors: L S A F
authors: LS
authors: Oliveira
authors: M G G
authors: MG
authors: Torres
authors: M B P
authors: MB
authors: Toralles
authors: M C B O
authors: MC
authors: da Silva
authors: M I G
authors: MI
authors: Campos
authors: P S F
authors: PS
authors: Campos
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Crusoé-Rebello
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult