Connection designs of three different implant systems in the resorbed edentulous maxilla: a case report

This report presents the mixed use of three different system implants for an implant-supported fixed bridge in a resorbed maxilla. Two of six implants that had been placed were lost. New implants were combined with the remaining implants that had been placed by the previous dentists in 1992 and 1997. The three implant systems consisted of the following: one incorporated an intramobile element into an implant device, and the other two were whole titanium screw-type implants (one with a machined surface and the other with a plasma-sprayed surface). This clinical report describes the connection designs of these different system implants to the fixed bridge and lists the complications that followed.     

Effects of calcium phosphate precipitation method on acid resistance to apatite powder and bovine tooth

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of CPP method on the crystallinity of apatite powder and on the acid resistance of bovine enamel. Crystallinity degrees of apatite powder before and after CPP treatment were measured by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Polished bovine enamel specimens treated with CPP method or NaF were immersed in a lactic acid solution for up to five days. The demineralized depth of enamel was measured with a surface roughness analyzer. XRD peaks became sharper after the CPP treatment, indicating an increased crystallinity of the apatite powder. The demineralized depth of bovine enamel treated with CPP method was shallower than that of enamel treated with NaF. Results of this study revealed that the CPP method increased the crystallinity of apatite powder and the acid resistance of enamel. Therefore, the CPP method would be useful not only for treating dentin hypersensitivity, but also for the prevention of dental caries.     

Three-dimensional reconstructed images using multidetector computed tomography in evaluation of the biliary tract

The recent development of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and the parallel escalation in the capabilities of the workstation allow the use of high-quality multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction images. As a noninvasive technique, MDCT dedicated to the biliary tract represents an alternative to magnetic resonance cholangiography. The usefulness of three-dimensional reconstructed images using MDCT in evaluating biliary tract abnormality is illustrated.     

Hashimoto’s encephalopathy: South Korean experiences

Hashimoto’s encephalopathy (HE) is a rare neurological disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent irreversible brain damage. In the present study, we aimed to describe and classify HE on the basis of clinical, neuroimaging, and EEG findings. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiological, and electrophysiological findings in patients who showed both neurological symptoms and high titers of anti-thyroid antibodies, and who were admitted between 2006 and 2012. Our patients were classified into two groups: those presenting seizures (group 1) and those with diffuse encephalopathies (group 2). Group 1 contained two patients. Patient 1, who showed verbal memory disturbance, focal MRI lesions, and partial seizure activity on EEG, recovered with antiepileptic and steroid treatments. Five of six patients assigned to group 2 were treated with steroids and showed significant improvement. One patient treated with azathioprine showed moderate improvement. Four of these patients had accompanying metabolic disturbances. HE is a treatable neurologic disorder with different subtypes, each with its own clinical manifestations and treatment options. HE can be difficult to identify and requires careful and attentive clinical observation for diagnosis.