Radiographic evaluation of maxillofacial region in oncology patients treated with bisphosphonates.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to identify radiographic alterations in patients administered bisphosphonate treatment that would permit early diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the jaw.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted with clinical and radiographic analysis of 60 patients divided into 2 groups. Thirty patients treated with zoledronate were included in group 1, and 30 patients that had never been treated with bisphosphonate were included in group 2. Digital panoramic radiographs were performed on all patients and subsequently evaluated by 2 radiologists.


RESULTS
Data analysis revealed that patients treated with zoledronate presented a statistically significant increase in the number of radiographic abnormalities compared with the control group. Female patients presented significantly more alterations than male patients, and the posterior region of the mandible was the most affected region.


CONCLUSIONS
Analysis of the data obtained revealed that the use of panoramic radiographs facilitates early identification of bone alterations, which can improve early diagnosis of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Dental School, Federal University of Pará, Pará, Brazil. gabriela.avertano.rocha@gmail.com
Gabriela Cristina Marçal Avertano
GC
Rocha
Graziella Chagas
GC
Jaguar
Carla Ruffeil
CR
Moreira
Ellen Gaby
EG
Neves
Felipe Paiva
FP
Fonseca
Erick Nelo
EN
Pedreira
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D059266:Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007568:Jaw / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000379:methods; D012737:Sex Factors; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid