Mandibular indexes and fractal properties on the panoramic radiographs of the patients using aromatase inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE:: This study was conducted to evaluate fractal dimension (FD), mandibular cortical width (MCW), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), and mandibular cortical index (MCI) on panoramic radiographs to determine the mandibular cortical and trabecular bone changes in females with breast cancer undergoing aromatase inhibitors (AIs) treatment.

METHODS:: In this retrospective study, FD analysis, PMI, MCI, and MCW were assessed over panoramic radiographs of 34 females under AI therapy as a patient group and 34 healthy age-gender matched individuals as a control group.

RESULTS:: Mean FD values and MCW were slightly but not significantly lower in the patient group (1.47 ± 0.06 and 4.1 ± 1.2 respectively). FDs measured onthe supracortical area above the angulus mandibula (FD2) and anterior to the mental foramen (FD4) were significantly lower in patients (p = 0.037 and p = 0.046 respectively). Among the measured regions in patients, FD2 was significantly lower (p = 0.001). PMI was also significantly lower in patients (p = 0.001) and MCI were similar in both groups (p = 0.604).

CONCLUSION:: AI use affects bone quality and evaluating FD, PMI, and MCW in panoramic radiography can be used to determine the effect of this drug on the jaw bones in the early period.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:: Aromatase inhibitors are the most commonly used drugs in breast cancer patients. This drug is thought to have osteoporotic effects on the jawbone. This study is the first study to evaluate osteoporotic changes with measurements made on panoramic radiographs and the results of the study are significant. We think this study will shed light on the studies that will investigate the effects of the drug on the jaw bones.