Dentomaxillofacial Radiographic Changes in a Group of Iranian Patients with End Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

This study aims to evaluate the dentomaxillofacial radiographic changes in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who were on hemodialysis. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) measurements, as well as Panoramic and periapical radiographs were obtained from seventy four patients with a history of end stage renal disease (ESRD). 74 patients examined with age range of 15 to 68 years, and a mean age of 41.4±14.6 years. The duration of dialysis ranged between 3 to 156 months with a mean duration of 40.4 months. Thinning or loss of lamina dura was observed in 16 patients (51.4%) and calcification of the pulp in 28 patients (40%). Changes in trabecular pattern was observed in 30 patients (40.6%), alterations in jaw bone density in 29 patients (39.2%) and bilateral calcification of stylohyoid ligaments in 13 patients (17.6%). We did not notice any non periapical origin radiolucent lesion. There was a significant relationship between bone trabecular pattern with P level, age and duration of dialysis. Changes in bone density showed significant relationship with frequency and hours of dialysis per week. No correlation was found between the radiographic changes and Ca level. Although changes in trabecular pattern and density were observed mostly in those who were on hemodialysis for a relatively long time, but we could not establish a definitive relation of radiographic manifestations in ESRD patients with the duration and frequency of dialysis.