Background: With regards to the increasing use of implants in the field of dentistry, the recognition of critical landmarks is essential. Nasopalatine canal (NPC) is one of these important indices, which due to high esthetic expectations in premaxilla, should be precisely evaluated before surgery. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and anatomical variations of the NPC. Materials and Methods: A total of 326 individual cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were analyzed in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes in order to evaluate the dimensions, morphology and anatomic features of the NPC. The canal shape, length, and curvature, incisive and Stenson's foramina (SF) dimensions, and the number of openings on both sides of the canal were assessed. The correlation of age, gender, and dental status with all considered parameters were analyzed. Results: The most dominant shape of the NPC was cylindrical (65.33%). The mean NPC length was 12.85 ± 2.63 mm, which was greater in men and showed significant differences between two genders (P < 0.001). The most frequent canal anatomical variation in the coronal plane was Y-type (50%). Through statistical analysis, the effect of gender on the canal length, anteroposterior dimension of SF, and mediolateral dimension of SF and incisive foramen (IF) and the number of orifices at the nasal floor was significant. Also, a significant relationship existed between dental status and curvature of the canal, anteroposterior dimension of IF and SF and furcation level of the canal. Conclusion: This study has highlighted the anatomical variations of NPC regarding its dimension, location and morphological appearance. Cylindrical was the most common shape followed by funnel-shape, hourglass, and spindle, which were the other canal shapes with less frequency, respectively. The results suggest significant relationship between NPC, and gender and dental status. The influence of age was not as significant as gender and dental status.

Desmoplastic fibroma (DF) is a rare and locally aggressive intraosseous tumor with unknown etiology. The mandible is the common site of involvement in the maxillofacial region. However, it is believed that DF can arise in any bone of the body. A wide age distribution has been reported for DF occurrence, extending from birth to the sixth decade of life, with a peak incidence at 10 to 19 years of age. In this study, diagnostic and therapeutic management of a 6-year-old girl with a desmoplastic fibroma of the inferior orbital rim and zygomatic buttress are discussed. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed a mixed lesion in infraorbital rim, which had ill-defined borders and a straight thick bony septum inside the lesion. It also involved the zygomatic process of maxilla and zygomatic bone. According to radiologic concepts, this rare lesion may mimic fibro-osseous, benign and especially malignant lesions. Regarding different treatment plans, identification of this lesion is essential. Furthermore, presence of coarse and irregular or straight septa along with some imaging criteria for malignant lesions such as destruction of the cortex, periosteal reaction and soft tissue invasion would be helpful to differentiate this lesion from malignant and multilocular benign lesions.

Background and Aim: Haller cells are one of the anatomical variations in the orbital area, which are important in endoscopic surgical procedures and have a role in the pathogenesis of some diseases including sinusitis and chronic craniofacial pain. The frequency of Haller cells has been reported in a wide range, which can be attributed to several factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and anatomical characteristics of Haller cells. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 381 patients referring to a private oral and maxillofacial radiology clinic during 2015-2017. These patients needed cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for various reasons. All CBCT scans were observed by a radiologist. The results were statistically analyzed by Chi-square test using SPSS version 16.0 software. Results: From 381 patients, 34 patients (8.9%) had Haller cells. Sixteen patients (47.05%) had Haller cells on the right side, 15 patients (44.11%) showed these cells on the left side, while 3 patients (8.82%) had these cells on both sides. On the right side, the oval shape showed the highest frequency (n=9; 47.3%). 36.8% and 15.7% of the right-sided Haller cells were round (n=7) and pyramidal (n=3), respectively. On the left side, the circular shape had the highest frequency (n=8, 44.4%). Furthermore, 27.7%, 16.7%, and 11.1% of the left-sided Haller cells were oval (n=5), pyramidal (n=3), and teardrop-shaped (n=2), respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of Haller cells in our study was 8.9%. Genetic and racial factors, radiographic techniques, and the age range of patients are some of the reasons for different results.