Radiological study of Oral and Craniofacial Findings in β Thalassaemic Children Undergoing Blood Transfusion

Background: Thalassaemia is the single most common gene disorder in the world and represents major health burden. The most common oral and craniofacial manifestations are enlargement of maxilla, bossing of the skull and prominent malar eminences. The aim of the study was to assess the radiological changes of the oral and craniofacial region in β thalassaemic children with in the age group of 12-16 yrs. Methodology: The study population consisted of 50 diagnosed cases of thalassaemic children attending for regular blood transfusions. In each patient three types ofdigital radiographs were taken, namely intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPAR), Orthopantomograph, and Lateral Cephalogram. The radiographs were interpreted forthinned lamina Dura, short roots, marrow space enlargement, altered trabecular pattern, widened diploic space, Salt and Pepper appearance of the skull, Hair on end appearance, Maxillary prognathism. Results: IOPAR of mandibular molar teeth region showed 52% thin lamina Dura, 34% cases had short roots, 82% cases showed enlarged Marrow space. OPG revealed 84% of cases with alterations in trabecular pattern. Lateral Cephalogram showed 86% widened diploic space, 84% showed salt and pepper appearance of the skull, 2% of them showed hair-on-end appearance of cranial vault, 50% of them showed Maxillary prognathism. Conclusion: The characters and the degree of bone changes are often increased markedly, with increase in age of the patient inspite of regular blood transfusion. Early diagnosis, counselling and regular follow up are necessary to reduce the morbidity and to reassure the patient for overall improvement of general and oral health.