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Objective Ameloblastomas are benign epithelial tumors of odontogenic origin, with a high recurrence rate and local aggressiveness. A few preliminary studies have demonstrated HPV presence mainly in peripheral ameloblastomas. The purpose of this study was to detect HPV-DNA in intraosseous ameloblastomas. Methods Eighteen cases of intraosseous ameloblastomas of different histological variants were selected. Immunohistochemistry, CISH, nested-PCR, and INNOLiPA HPV Genotyping v2 were used. Results The predominant age group was between the third and fourth decades of life. Males were more affected with 61% and females represented 39%. Of the 18 cases, 7 were solid multicystic tumors and 11 were unicystic. Of the histological variants, the plexiform represented 3 (17%) of the 18, 2 (11%) were follicular, 2 (11%) were acanthomatous, and 1 (6%) was desmoplastic. All cases were HPV negative by immunohistochemistry and CISH. HPV-DNA was detected in 6 (33%) of the cases by nested-PCR. HPV 6 was the most frequent genotype in 4 (66%) of the 6. Two cases presented a mixture of HPV 16, 33, and HPV 6, 42 respectively. Four of the unicystic ameloblastomas were HPV positive; of these, all presented koilocytic changes and were associated with dentigerous cysts, whereas only 2 positive cases corresponded to solid ameloblastomas. None of the positive cases were related to recurrence rate. Conclusions We may conclude that HPV low and high risk was detected in our sample of intraosseous ameloblastomas. HPV positivity was observed more in the unicystic cases than solid types.

Vitamin D-dependent rickets type I (VDDRI) represents an autosomal recessive hereditary defect in vitamin D metabolism. Patients with VDDRI have mutations of chromosome 12 that affect the gene for the enzyme 1-alpha-hydroxylase, resulting in decreased levels of 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D. Clinical features include growth failure, hypotonia, weakness, rachitic rosary, convulsions, tetany, open fontanels, and pathologic fractures. The oral and dental manifestations of VDDRI have not been described. Here we present the case of a 10-year-old girl affected by VDDRI, as established by the combination of clinical and radiographic findings, family history, and laboratory values. Dental examination revealed markedly hypoplastic, yellowish-to-brownish enamel in all permanent teeth, malocclusion, and chronic periodontal disease. Large quadrangular pulp chambers and short roots were evident in dental radiographs. Light microscopic and ultrastructural examination showed abnormalities of dental hard tissues, affecting both enamel and dentin. The differential diagnosis and treatment of VDDRI are discussed.

Cysticercus cellulosae is the larval form of Taenia solium, representing the second most common larval infection in humans produced by cestodes. It affects any tissue but is more common in skeletal muscle, CNS and eye. This infection has been known since 500 BC; in Guatemala it was first reported in 1877. It has no racial predilection but is rare in Jews and Moslems who do not eat pork. Humans are definitive hosts for Taenia solium ; pigs and wild hogs are intermediate hosts, but humans can manifest the sporadic larval form. Human cysticercosis is acquired by ingestion of infected pork or fecally contaminated foods. Cysticercosis is clinically characterized by the presence of solitary or multiple submucosal/cutaneous firm nodules, which are circumscribed, movable, usually asymptomatic, and measure 1-1.5 cms. Mature cysticerci are small translucent oval cysts containing the invaginated scolex with 4 sucking openings, each with a double crown of hooks. Macroscopic and microscopic features are both diagnostic. Living larvae with an intact membrane do not elicit an inflammatory reaction unless degenerated or dead. Anticysticercus serum titers are valuable for follow-up and should be first determined before or immediately after diagnosis. MRI and/or CT are mandatory to rule out CNS involvement. The affected head and neck sites in our series are buccal mucosa (3), lower lip (2), upper lip (1), tongue (2), and temporal muscle (1). All of our cases represented single lesions, 3 of them without active CNS compromise. Systemic treatment is mostly recommended for CNS cysticercosis, Praziquantel being the most accepted drug.