RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate nasal septum deviation (NSD), nasal bone length (NBL), and the morphology of the middle nasal conchae (MNC) and inferior nasal conchae (INC), as well as their correlations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample included 56 cone-beam computed tomography scans divided into two groups: a study group (SG; individuals with NF1; n = 28) and a control group (CG; individuals without NF1; n = 28). NSD, NBL, MNC, and INC classifications were assessed. MNC images were classified as normal, bullous, paradoxical, secondary, and accessory. INC images were classified as normal, lamellar, compact, combined, and bullous. Intra- and interobserver reliability were evaluated. RESULTS: SG had a mean NSD of 11.6° (±4.5°) compared with 9.6° (±3.2°) for the CG, showing moderate deviations with no significant difference between groups. SG had a mean NBL of 22.4 mm (±3.4 mm) compared with 22.1 mm (±3.2 mm) for the CG, with a statistically significant difference. Both groups exhibited normal, bullosa, and accessory MNC classifications. SG INC were normal, lamellar, and combined, whereas CG INC were normal and lamellar. There was a weak correlation between NSD and NBL across groups. CONCLUSION: Individuals with NF1 showed longer NBL. The weak correlation between NSD and NBL suggested multifactorial influences on these variations. These findings advance our understanding of craniofacial development in NF1 and highlight the need for further research into nasal cavity involvement in this complex genetic disorder.
RESUMO
In addition to clinical examination, forensic odontologists can use diagnostic imaging as an auxiliary method for identification. This paper reports a case where forensic odontologists from the Afrânio Peixoto Legal Medicine Institute in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) positively identified a carbonized and partially calcined body using oral and maxillofacial imaging. The cadaver showed several metallic plates fixed with metallic screws on bones of the neurocranium and viscerocranium. Family members provided spiral computed tomography scans of the skull and a panoramic radiograph that were acquired after an accident that required surgical procedures. Comparative analysis between the clinical exam and the maxillofacial images demonstrated complete coincidence, confirming the victim's identity. Dactyloscopy, which is the most commonly used method of identification, was not possible because of the body carbonization. Thus, diagnostic imaging, especially computed tomography, was essential for elucidation of this case.