Commentary on “a Retrospective Study of Incidental Findings Occurring in a Consecutive Case Series of Lateral Cephalograms of 12 to 20-Year-Old Patients Referred for Routine Orthodontic Treatment ” [1]

Commentary Article

Commentary on “a Retrospective Study of Incidental Findings Occurring in a Consecutive Case Series of Lateral Cephalograms of 12 to 20-Year-Old Patients Referred for Routine Orthodontic Treatment ” [1]

  • David MacDonald *

*Corresponding Author: David MacDonald, Professor & Chair: Div. Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology, University of British Columbia.

Citation: David MacDonald. (2023). Commentary on “a Retrospective Study of Incidental Findings Occurring in a Consecutive Case Series of Lateral Cephalograms of 12 to 20-Year-Old Patients Referred for Routine Orthodontic Treatment” [1]. Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology, 5(2); DOI: 10.31579/2692-9562/069

Copyright: © 2023 David MacDonald. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Received: 03 November 2022 | Accepted: 14 January 2023 | Published: 28 January 2023

Keywords: hypopharyngeal; heterogeneous diseases

Abstract

As the lateral cephalogram (Figure 1) covers the nasal cavity, cervical vertebra and the entire pharynx (from the base of the skull right down to the larynx), findings in these areas are relevant to the oto-rhino-laryngologist.  Although nasal endoscopy is the best choice for evaluation of nasopharyngeal tonsil (adenoid) size. 

Introduction

As the lateral cephalogram (Figure 1) covers the nasal cavity, cervical vertebra and the entire pharynx (from the base of the skull right down to the larynx), findings in these areas are relevant to the oto-rhino-laryngologist.  Although nasal endoscopy is the best choice for evaluation of nasopharyngeal tonsil (adenoid) size [2], the lateral cephalogram exhibits very good diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis for hypertrophic nasopharyngeal tonsils and for posterior upper airway obstruction [3]. In addition to sleep apnea hyperplasia of the tonsils may be associated with mouth-breathing [4].

The lateral cephalogram (also called lateral cephalometric radiograph), has been used for nearly a century, routinely prescribed by orthodontists for cephalometric measurement as an essential part of orthodontic treatment planning. The lateral cephalogram permits the evaluation of dimensions and position of craniofacial structures and adjacent soft-tissues. and the identification of skeletal anomalies and/or pathology [5]. The lateral cephalogram in an orthodontic context is almost always accompanied by a dental panoramic radiograph (DPR) to display better panoramically the whole dentition.  Although the DPR does experience secondary artifacts that are superimposed on the primary image, these are well understood by the dentist. The study, the subject of this commentary, focused solely on incidental findings of those areas of the lateral cephalograms which are outside the jaws and not displayed on the DPR, namely the cranium and vertebra as these are outside the normal anatomic sphere of dental practice, excepting that of the orthodontist.  The overlap of bilateral structures is infrequently a problem for the orthodontist as most structures of interest are in the midline, such as the sella (S), nasion (N) and A and B points (Figure 1).  Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imparts a significantly higher radiation dose to the more radiation-sensitive child patient and is unlikely to replace the lateral cephalogram and DPR in routine orthodontics [6]. Indeed, many graduate programs in orthodontics restrict prescription of large field-of-view CBCT to patients with craniofacial anomalies (including those with cleft lip and palates) where cross-sectional imaging is required prior to surgery. As many of these cases require multiple surgeries, multiple CBCTs are preferred to multiple multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) as the former imparts a much-reduced radiation dose burden to the child than the latter.

This retrospective study was performed on the lateral cephalograms of 1765 consecutive 12-to-20-year-old patients (800 males and 965 females) presenting for treatment to a North American graduate orthodontic program. All these patients were considered normal, because no abnormalities were found neither in their medical history nor on their clinical examination. Therefore, none had cleft-lip and palates, craniofacial anomalies nor any serious or potentially serious medical condition.

Overall prevalence of incidental findings was 18.8% of which 10.3% were ponticulus posticus and 4.2%, bridging of sella turcica. The importance of these is that ponticulus posticus by its envelopment of the vertebra artery may case dizziness, head and neck pain whereas the latter though generally associated with syndromes is now reported in the normal general population. Further reflection upon this finding may or may not reveal hitherto undetected disease; time with tell. A similar experience was realized with taurodontism, a dental anomaly which subsequently found in normal populations, may also be an indicator of as of yet undetected cases of Klinefelter’s syndrome [7].  Although the occipital spurs and for ponticulus posticus were more prevalent in males, the size of the sella turcicas did not differ between sexes. Of the 1156 patients completing treatment about 2 years later, only one lateral cephalogram displayed progression of its ponticulus posticus in that time.

                Figure 1: Displays a lateral cephalogram that excluded most of the cranium and is typical in most countries outside North America.

Even there, there has a gradual movement away from making lateral cephalograms that include the whole cranium, in the interests of reducing the area irradiated. This trend may mean that, going forward, enlarged parietal foramina, rare as they are, may become less noticeable on lateral cephalograms because of this exclusion of the top of the skull. But as this report revealed all of the incidental findings outside the jaws, namely the aforementioned 18.8% of all lateral cephalograms including in the study,  would not have been detected simply because the orthodontists did not notice them. Although the vast majority of children presenting for orthodontic treatment are overtly normal, some dental anomalies may suggest an underlying medical condition, such as a genetic or an endocrine disorder [8]. All those lesions appearing in the jaws were identified on the accompanying DPR for each case.

While this study performed on overtly normal juveniles did not display nasopharyngeal masses simply because of their age [9], too old for hyperplastic nasopharyngeal tonsils and not old enough for nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC), the increasing extension of orthodontic treatment or retreatment to adult populations increases the likelihood of the latter being present, particularly in those communities of Southeast Asian extraction, namely those originating from the southern Chinese provinces of Quangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Fujian, Jiangxi and Hongkong and Macao [10]. Quangdong and Quangxi have the highest mortalities from NPC[11]. Although NPC is rare with a global incidence of about 1:100,000 people, it is as high as 30:100,000 in South China & Southeast Asia [12,13]. Seventy-seven percent of those diagnosed with NPC in British Columbia were of Asian ethnicity; the majority had non-keratinizing NPC (81%) [14].

Conclusion

Almost of fifth of lateral cephalogram of normal orthodontic 12-to-20-year-old patients displayed incidental findings; of these are the ponticulus posticus, vertebral fusion, and enlarged parietal foramina were clinically significant. Hyperplastic nasopharyngeal tonsils were not observed in this age group, but would be an important observation when adults are being considered for orthodontic treatment or retreatment.

Lateral cephalogram displaying the most important and frequently used cephalometric ‘points’ on the base of the skull, nose and dentoalveolar apparatus. The lateral head position is held perfectly perpendicular to the central ray by the cephalostat (made of plastic). Its ‘ear plugs’ are placed within the external acoustic meatuses. The metal rings which denote the external acoustic meatus are precisely superimposed upon each other. The age of the patient from the degree of dental development is 12 to 14 years of age, the usual age for orthodontic treatment. The size of soft-tissue outline of the nasopharynx, silhouetted against the air-filled nasopharynx is normal in this otherwise normal patient seeking orthodontic treatment.

 ‘S’ point denotes the centre of the sella turcica; ‘N’ point, the nasion; ‘A’ point, the maximum concavity of the maxilla and ‘B’ point, the maximum concavity of the mandible. Due to the long film/receptor-focal distance used the superimposed right and left sides appear almost perfectly superimposed, except for the lower borders of the mandible and floors of the orbits. 

References

Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.

img

Virginia E. Koenig

Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.

img

Delcio G Silva Junior

Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.

img

Ziemlé Clément Méda

Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.

img

Mina Sherif Soliman Georgy

We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.

img

Layla Shojaie

The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.

img

Sing-yung Wu

Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.

img

Orlando Villarreal

Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.

img

Katarzyna Byczkowska

Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.

img

Anthony Kodzo-Grey Venyo

Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.

img

Pedro Marques Gomes

Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.

img

Bernard Terkimbi Utoo

This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.

img

Prof Sherif W Mansour

Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.

img

Hao Jiang

As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.

img

Dr Shiming Tang

Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.

img

Raed Mualem

International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.

img

Andreas Filippaios

Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.

img

Dr Suramya Dhamija

Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.

img

Bruno Chauffert

I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!

img

Baheci Selen

"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".

img

Jesus Simal-Gandara

I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.

img

Douglas Miyazaki

We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.

img

Dr Griffith

I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.

img

Dr Tong Ming Liu

I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.

img

Husain Taha Radhi

I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.

img

S Munshi

Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.

img

Tania Munoz

“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.

img

George Varvatsoulias

Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.

img

Rui Tao

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.

img

Khurram Arshad

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, we deeply appreciate the interest shown in our work and its publication. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you. The peer review process, as well as the support provided by the editorial office, have been exceptional, and the quality of the journal is very high, which was a determining factor in our decision to publish with you.

img

Gomez Barriga Maria Dolores

The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews journal clinically in the future time.

img

Lin Shaw Chin

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the trust placed in our team for the publication in your journal. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you on this project. I am pleased to inform you that both the peer review process and the attention from the editorial coordination have been excellent. Your team has worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure that your publication meets the highest standards of quality. We are confident that this collaboration will result in mutual success, and we are eager to see the fruits of this shared effort.

img

Maria Dolores Gomez Barriga

Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my utmost gratitude for your excellent work and for the dedication and speed in the publication process of my article titled "Navigating Innovation: Qualitative Insights on Using Technology for Health Education in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients." I am very satisfied with the peer review process, the support from the editorial office, and the quality of the journal. I hope we can maintain our scientific relationship in the long term.

img

Dr Maria Dolores Gomez Barriga

Dear Monica Gissare, - Editorial Coordinator of Nutrition and Food Processing. ¨My testimony with you is truly professional, with a positive response regarding the follow-up of the article and its review, you took into account my qualities and the importance of the topic¨.

img

Dr Maria Regina Penchyna Nieto

Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, The review process for the article “The Handling of Anti-aggregants and Anticoagulants in the Oncologic Heart Patient Submitted to Surgery” was extremely rigorous and detailed. From the initial submission to the final acceptance, the editorial team at the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication. The reviewers provided constructive and detailed feedback, which was essential for improving the quality of our work. Communication was always clear and efficient, ensuring that all our questions were promptly addressed. The quality of the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” is undeniable. It is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication dedicated exclusively to disseminating high-quality research in the field of clinical cardiology and cardiovascular interventions. The journal's impact factor is currently under evaluation, and it is indexed in reputable databases, which further reinforces its credibility and relevance in the scientific field. I highly recommend this journal to researchers looking for a reputable platform to publish their studies.

img

Dr Marcelo Flavio Gomes Jardim Filho

Dear Editorial Coordinator of the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing! "I would like to thank the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing for including and publishing my article. The peer review process was very quick, movement and precise. The Editorial Board has done an extremely conscientious job with much help, valuable comments and advices. I find the journal very valuable from a professional point of view, thank you very much for allowing me to be part of it and I would like to participate in the future!”

img

Zsuzsanna Bene

Dealing with The Journal of Neurology and Neurological Surgery was very smooth and comprehensive. The office staff took time to address my needs and the response from editors and the office was prompt and fair. I certainly hope to publish with this journal again.Their professionalism is apparent and more than satisfactory. Susan Weiner

img

Dr Susan Weiner

My Testimonial Covering as fellowing: Lin-Show Chin. The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews.

img

Lin-Show Chin

My experience publishing in Psychology and Mental Health Care was exceptional. The peer review process was rigorous and constructive, with reviewers providing valuable insights that helped enhance the quality of our work. The editorial team was highly supportive and responsive, making the submission process smooth and efficient. The journal's commitment to high standards and academic rigor makes it a respected platform for quality research. I am grateful for the opportunity to publish in such a reputable journal.

img

Sonila Qirko

My experience publishing in International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews was exceptional. I Come forth to Provide a Testimonial Covering the Peer Review Process and the editorial office for the Professional and Impartial Evaluation of the Manuscript.

img

Luiz Sellmann