[Multislice computed tomography in the diagnosis of toxic phosphorus necrosis of the jaw]

To estimate the possibilities of using and systematizing computed tomographic findings in patients with toxic phosphorus necrosis of the jaw.

The investigation enrolled 87 patients diagnosed as having toxic phosphorus osteonecrosis. Radiation examination consisted of two stages: primary and repeated radiologic examinations in the postoperative period (final examination before hospital discharge). All the patients underwent skull X-ray and multislice computed tomography (MSCT).

Clinical and radiation examination revealed toxic phosphorus osteonecrosis of the maxilla and mandible in 29 (33%) cases. Osteonecrosis affected only the mandible in 40 (46%) cases and only the maxilla in 18 (21%) cases. In all the patients, computed tomography showed main trends in the X-ray semiotics of toxic phosphorus necrosis of the facial skeleton, such as periostitis; osteosclerosis; development a lesion having a “soap-bubble” appearance; nonspecific and inflammatory bone destruction. The bone, being destroyed, was replaced by pus; inflammatory granulations were absent; osteonecrosis occurred. These processes were characterized by the absence of an obvious demarcation zone along the edges of the process. Sequestration commonly occurred to form sinus tracts. The process involved the adjacent bones; there were reactive changes in the accessory sinuses.

MSCT data are of highly informative value in evaluating the status of bone tissue and teeth and in detecting a concomitant abnormality in patients with osteonecrosis of the facial skeleton and may be used to plan surgical treatment for this category of patients.