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Determination of sarcopenia is crucial in identifying patients at high risk of adverse health outcomes. Recent studies reported a significant decline in masticatory muscle (MM) function in patients with sarcopenia. This study aimed to analyze the cross-sectional area (CSA) of MMs on computed tomography (CT) images and to explore their potential to predict sarcopenia. The study included 149 adult subjects retrospectively (59 males, 90 females, mean age 57.4 ± 14.8 years) who underwent head and neck CT examination for diagnostic purposes. Sarcopenia was diagnosed on CT by measuring CSA of neck muscles at the C3 vertebral level and estimating skeletal muscle index. CSA of MMs (temporal, masseter, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid) were measured bilaterally on reference CT slices. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 67 (45%) patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between CSA of all MMs and sarcopenia. In the multivariate logistic regression model, only masseter CSA, lateral pterygoid CSA, age, and gender were marked as predictors of sarcopenia. These parameters were combined in a regression equation, which showed excellent sensitivity and specificity in predicting sarcopenia. The masseter and lateral pterygoid CSA can be used to predict sarcopenia in healthy aging subjects with a high accuracy.

To detect predictive factors for the occurrence of complications associated with unerupted maxillary canines (C). A total of 83 cone beam computed tomograms (CBCT), made from November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022, have met the inclusion criteria, whereby 110 unerupted C were detected. Independent variables were: gender, age, and C position. Outcome variables were detected complications: external root resorption (ERR) and dilaceration of adjacent tooth, ERR and dilaceration of C, dentigerous cyst, canine ankylosis, and adjacent teeth malposition. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between income variables and detected complications. Vertical position of unerupted C showed as predictor for adjacent tooth dilacerations and malposition. Chance for dilaceration increases 5.5-fold with C position at the middle third of lateral incisor (LI) root, while chance of malposition increases 23.4-fold with its supra-apical position to the LI root, in comparison to the C position occlusal to the LI cemento-enamel junction. Age is a predictive factor for dentigerous cysts, with decreasing the chance of their occurrence 1.5-fold with each additional year of age. Early evaluation of the vertical position and timely treatment of C are decisive steps in preventing complications.

Objectives This study aims to reveal whether and which position of lower third molar (M3), assessed on a 2D image, indicates or potentially exclude the need for the CBCT exploration of the retromolar canal (RMC). We hypothesized that some positions of M3 are associated with overall higher incidence of the RMC, and particularly clinically relevant ones, thus justifying additional CBCT diagnostics. Methods CBCT exam of 186 hemi-mandibles with present M3 were selected for the study. Explorations were made during the 2-year period from January 1th 2018 to December 31th 2019 with Scanora 3Dx Sorodex (Tussula, Finland). The following variables were assessed: the presence and width of the RMC, eruption status, and angulation of the M3. The RMC presence in relation to the M3 eruption status and angulation was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results RMC was present in 89 (47.8%) out of 186 hemi-mandibles. Mean canal width was 1.51 mm. 22.5% of detected canals had the diameter exceeding 2 mm. Third molar's eruption status showed no statistical correlation with the occurrence of RMC. We observed significantly higher occurrence of RMC in the hemi-mandibles containing distally angulated M3 in comparison to other orientations (p = 0.025). Conclusion Based upon our findings, we recommend preoperative CBCT in cases where distal angulation of M3 is observed on 2D images, for the purpose of RMC exploration. Lower resolution CBCT mode and limited field of view (XS or S) are sufficient for the visualization of potentially clinically relevant RMCs, with as much reducing the patient dose.