The ameloblastic fibro-odontoma is a rare, benign, mixed neoplasm composed of proliferating odontogenic epithelium, ectomesenchymal tissue and varying degrees of dental hard tissue formation. It occurs exclusively as an intraosseous lesion. It usually exhibits slow growth and is commonly seen in children and young adults. Radiologically, ameloblastic fibro-odontoma appears as a circumscribed radiolucency which may contain radiopaque foci. Most cases of ameloblastic fibro-odontoma exhibit benign behaviour, but cases of malignant transformation have been reported. The treatment modality in most cases involves conservative surgery, but in cases with malignant transformation more radical treatment will be required. A massive ameloblastic fibro-odontoma involving the mandible is being described here with its clinical, radiological and histopathological features.

Aim:The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and susceptibility to antibacterial agents of anaerobic strains in 118 patients with head and neck abscesses (31) and cellulitis (87). Materials and methods:In total, 118 pus specimens from 118 consecutive patients with abscesses (31 cases) and cellulitis (87) of the head and neck were evaluated from 2006 to the end of 2011. The patients were admitted to the University Hospital of Maxillofacial Surgery, Bhopal, India, and comprised 76 men and 42 women: Four children, 103 adults and 11 elderly people.Results: Anaerobic bacteria (174 strains within 18 genera) were found in 88 (74.6%) of the 118 specimens. Anaerobes only were present in 23 (19.5%) specimens, aerobic/facultative bacteria only in 20 (16.9%) and mixed aerobic/anaerobic flora in 65 (55.1%). No growth was detected in 10 (8.5%) specimens. Two or more anaerobes per specimen were found in 56 (63.6%) of the specimens yielding anaerobes. The incidence of isolation of anaerobes from patients with identified odontogenic sources of infection was 82.2% (60 of 73 cases) and that in patients with other sources of infection was 71.4% (15 of 21, p > 0.20). Conclusion:The start of empirical treatment could influence the frequency or rate of isolation of Fusobacterium species. The involvement of the Bacteroides fragilis group in some head and neck infections should be considered.

No abstract

Sickle cell disease is a common inherited autosomal disease that is characterised by abnormally shaped (sickle-shaped) red blood cells (RBCs). It can involve virtually any organ system. The clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease vary and are classified as vaso-occlusion, chronic anaemia and infection. The imaging appearances of central nervous system and musculoskeletal involvement by sickle cell disease have been well documented; however, involvement of the head and neck region is often unreported, although it is not uncommon. In the head and neck, sickle cell disease can involve the inner ears, orbits, paranasal sinuses, bones, lymph nodes and vessels. This paper describes a case of idiopathic facial swelling associated with sickle cell disease in a young patient.

No abstract