The evaluation of changes in maxillofacial bones using cone beam tomography in acromegaly

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endocrinology
• Radiology

Background:

• Acromegaly is a condition characterized by excessive growth hormone production.
• Craniofacial changes are a known manifestation of acromegaly.
• Evaluating these changes using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess craniofacial dimension alterations in untreated acromegaly patients.
• To compare these changes with patients having non-functional pituitary adenomas and healthy controls.
• To establish CBCT as a tool for quantifying acromegaly-induced maxillofacial changes.

Main Methods:

• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained from 50 acromegaly patients (Group A), 20 non-functional pituitary adenoma patients (Group B), and 30 healthy individuals (Group C).
• Linear, angular, and volumetric craniofacial measurements were performed.
• Statistical analysis was conducted to compare dimensional differences between the groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in mandibular length were observed in acromegaly patients.
• Maxillary length showed statistically significant differences between groups A-B and B-C.
• SNB and ANB angles differed significantly across all groups, while SNA angle varied between A-C and B-C.

Conclusions:

• Acromegaly patients demonstrate increased mandibular volume and length compared to control groups.
• CBCT imaging effectively reveals significant maxillofacial dimension changes in acromegaly.
• This research provides novel insights into acromegaly's impact on craniofacial morphology.