Archives of Iranian Medicine
Volume:10 Issue: 1, Jan 2007

Although corticosteroids have dramatically altered the prognosis of patients with pemphigus vulgaris, morbidity and mortality from systemic corticosteroid side-effects remains high. High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone has been used successfully in blistering diseases to avoid the complications of long-term orally-administered glucocorticoids. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and side-effects of oral and pulse steroid therapy in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris. One hundred and twenty-three patients with pemphigus vulgaris were categorized into two groups of study and control according to the disease severity and patient’s preferred method of treatment. The study group included 36 males and 36 females. The control group included 26 males and 25 females. The mean ± SD age of the two groups was 42.6 ± 11.9 and 46.9 ± 12.8 years, respectively. The mean ± SD duration of the disease was 6.8 ± 1.1 months in new cases (n = 45) and 25.9 ± 26.0 months overally in the study group; it was 7.2 ± 1.8 months in new cases (n = 30) and 28.4 ± 24.6 months overally in the control group. During the induction phase, we performed pulse therapy with methylprednisolone in three consecutive monthly courses. Each course included 1000 mg intravenous methylprednisolone for 4 days plus 500 mg intravenous cyclophosphamide for 1 day. In this phase, the control group received 1 – 2 mg/kg/day oral prednisolone for 28 days plus 1.5 mg/kg/day azathioprine. All patients were followed for at least 12 months during which period, clinical response, relapse rate, and side-effects were evaluated. Pulse intravenous methylprednisolone with cyclophosphamide was generally safe and well-tolerated. Therapeutic responses of skin and mucosal lesions, rates of complete remission and relapse, and major organ-specific complications were similar in both groups. Significant statistical differences existed in total orally-administered prednisolone in one year, admission duration, and annual weight increments between the two groups (P < 0.05). Considering the side-effects of long-term oral steroids, hazards of obesity, and complications of long-term hospitalization, pulse methylprednisolone could be considered in patients who have problems with long-term admissions or with high-dose oral steroid usage, and also in obese patients.

Hirsutism is a common clinical condition with different etiologies. Many of these patients have frank or subclinical abnormalities in the adrenal and ovarian steroidogenesis. The disease may be associated with other clinical signs of hyperandrogenism. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features of hirsutism and its etiologic factors in premenopausal Iranian women. In a cross-sectional study, 790 consecutive premenopausal women referred to the dermatology Clinics of Hazrat-e Rasool and Firoozgar University Hospitals and three private dermatology clinics during 2001 – 2003 with the clinical diagnosis of hirsutism were studied. All patients underwent detailed clinical assessment and transabdominal ultrasonography of the ovaries. Endocrinologic work-up was performed for 285 patients. Hirsutism was mild in 65%, moderate in 32.5%, and severe in 2.5% of the patients. Positive family history was found in 56.2%. Hormonal studies revealed some abnormalities in 35.2% of the patients. Coexisting medical conditions included acne in 70% of the patients, menstrual irregularity in 38.6%, androgenic alopecia in 21.3%, obesity in 6.5%, acanthosis nigricans in 4.9%, and diabetes in 0.6% of the patients. Etiology of hirsutism was identified as polycystic ovary syndrome (62.53%), idiopathic (35.19%), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (0.38%), prolactinoma (0.13%), and undetermined (1.77%). Polycystic ovary syndrome was diagnosed more frequently in women with menstrual irregularity than eumenorrheic patients (97.70% vs. 40.41%, P < 0.001). Hirsute patients frequently have either elevated androgen levels or clinical conditions associated with hyperandrogenemia. Eumenorrhea does not rule out endocrine abnormality and particularly polycystic ovary syndrome which is a common cause of hirsutism. We recommend performing endocrinologic work up, investigation of coexisting hyperandrogenic states, and evaluation of polycystic ovary syndrome in all patients with hirsutism.

To investigate the effect of prophylactic subthreshold laser macular grid photocoagulation on drusen area and to evaluate the visual outcome and incidence of choroidal neovascularization in patients with soft drusen maculopathy. In a nonrandomized nonmasked clinical trial, 18 patients (36 eyes) with bilateral soft drusen maculopathy were studied. For each patient, one eye was treated with 48 subthreshold (invisible end-point) applications of 532-nm KTP-laser in a macular grid pattern and the fellow eye was observed. Soft drusen areas were calculated and compared between the two groups at baseline and follow-up visits at 3, 6, 12, and 30 months of therapy. Best corrected visual acuity was also compared in observed and laser-treated eyes. Reduction of drusen area, change in visual acuity, and rate of CNV were assessed in both groups. At baseline, there was no significant difference in the mean drusen surface area between the two groups (P = 0.90). The mean surface area of soft drusen in treated eyes was 6.51 mm2 after 30 months and 7.58 mm2 (P = 0.50) in the control eyes. There was a trend towards reduction in the mean soft drusen area after 30 months from baseline in laser-treated eyes (6.51 vs. 6.97 mm2). In treated eyes, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean best corrected visual acuity at the baseline (0.28 logMAR) and after 30 months (0.32 logMAR) (P = 0.40). Subthreshold macular grid photocoagulation with 532-nm KTP-laser did not seem to reduce drusen surface area significantly and did not improve best corrected visual acuity after 30 months. No exudative lesion developed in laser-treated eyes

Golestan Province in northeastern Iran has one of the highest rates of esophageal squamous cell cancer in the world. This article reviews the studies conducted on esophageal squamous cell cancer in this area and summarizes the data on epidemiologic patterns, incidence trends, and etiology of esophageal squamous cell cancer in this province.

During the last decade, increased rates of drug traffic have led the smugglers to use various methods. One of these methods of illicit drug smuggling is body packing. Smuggling by intra-abdominal concealment is called "body packing". In this research, mortality rate was investigated due to body packing in Tehran. A descriptive study (case series) was designed on all corpses referred to the Forensic Medicine Organization of Tehran between April 1999 - December 2000. Demographic data such as sex, age, marital status, addiction, job, education level, type of opioid and the weight, number of packets, and results of blood and urine morphine tests by thin-layer chromatographic method were investigated. Continental system of law is used in Iran and 0.06% of the referred corpses to Forensic Medicine Organization of Tehran were body packers. There were 12 cases, all of them were men. The mean age of body packers was 43 years (range 20 – 62). The minimum weight of the packets was 20 g and the maximum weight was 1400 g (mean = 501 g). The minimum number of the packets was one and the maximum number of the packets was 48. Twenty five percent of the corps were putrefied and one corpse was mummified. None of the body packers had academic education nor were employed. Nine of them lived in cities. Twenty five percent of them were intravenous addicts. The corpses were found mostly in terminals (17%), roads (58%), and cities (25%). Hospital physicians may neglect this type of gastrointestinal foreign body if they are not aware of the body packer syndrome. Body packing should be suspected in anyone with signs of drug-induced toxic effects after a recent arrival on city terminals or when there is no history of recreational drug use.

The light microscopic and immunohistochemical characteristics of a case of fibrous histiocytoma of intermediate malignancy arising from the parotid gland are presented. This neoplasm is rare in this site and must be distinguished from other spindle cell tumors of the parotid gland, particularly those of epithelial and myoepithelial origins. Histologic characteristics similar to those displayed by dermatofibroma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans help to differentiate this tumor from other spindle cell tumors. The absence of cytochemical epithelial markers is useful for establishing the diagnosis. This tumor appears to have arisen from mesenchymal elements within the gland.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a descriptive term applied to patients with nonspecific anterior knee pain, and is the most common knee problem. The pain in most patellofemoral disorders is generalized to the anterior part of the knee. One important concept in patellofemoral joint function is the quadriceps angle (Q-angle). Theoretically, a higher Q-angle increases the lateral pull of the quadriceps femoris muscle on the patella and potentiates patellofemoral disorders. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between the anterior knee pain and Q-angle. This prospective study was performed on two groups; the case group consisted of 100 outpatients (44 men, and 56 women) aged between 15 and 35 years, with anterior knee pain. The control group consisted of 100 outpatients (50 men, and 50 women) with the same age distribution, who presented with different problems in the upper extremities and no knee problems. The Q-angle of each knee was measured in all participants, using a universal goniometer. The mean Q-angle for men, women, and all participants in the case group was 15.2, 20.1, and 18.0 degrees, respectively. In the normal control group the angles were 12.1, 16.7, and 14.9 degrees, respectively. All these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). These results substantiate the fact that patients with anterior knee pain have larger Q-angles than healthy individuals

Nowadays management of severe Rh alloimmunization consists of serial determination of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, amniocentesis, cordocentesis, and in many instances intrauterine transfusion. We present a case of severe Rh alloimmunization who, for the first time in Iran, was delivered at term after several intrauterine transfusions.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of carcinoma death in women. Proper treatment depends on the consideration of molecular biology status of tumor cells, which may determine the patient''s treatment and prognosis. To determine the prognostic models for this disease, we evaluated the role of cell proliferation-related antigens including ki-67 (a nuclear antigen, expressed in G1, G2, and M phases of cell cycle) and repp86 (an 86-kDa nuclear protein expressed in S, G2, and M phases of cell cycle) for detection of biologic behavior of breast cancer. We studied 60 women with grade I and II lymph node-negative and 27 with grade III lymph node-positive breast cancers. The mean follow-up periods for these two groups were 60 and 72 months, respectively. Tumor cell proliferation was measured by immunohistochemical methods with monoclonal antibodies directed against the nuclear antigens ki-67 and repp86. The ki-67, repp86 labeling indices (percentage of antibody-stained tumor cell nuclei) were not statistically different between the cases and controls of lymph node-negative patients (ki-67 with P = 0.33; repp86 with P = 0.40). The odds ratio (the mean chance of ki-67 labeling index > 10%, repp86 labeling index >10%) in patients with recurrence was 4 (CI = 0.2 – 76.5) for ki-67 and 3.6 (CI = 0.4 – 32.5) for repp86. Both indices were statistically different in lymph node-positive cases and controls (P < 0.0001). The odds ratio in patients with recurrence was 87 (CI = 4 – 18.71) for ki-67 and 71.5 (CI = 5.7 – 899.2) for repp86. The present study confirms the importance of cell proliferation as a determinant of biologic behavior of breast cancer. Measurement of ki-67 and repp86 labeling indices may be very helpful for physicians to detect high-risk patients and to adopt appropriate procedure such as adjuvant therapy.

The early efforts for promotion of public health measures and prevention of fatal epidemic diseases in Iran date back to the second half of the 19th century. Based on historical records, the informal protosanitary councils had existed since the early 1850s, but a new formal health institution called “Sanitary Council”, or “Majles-e Hefz al-Sehheh” was founded in 1881. Then, it was reestablished as a permanent council in 1904. The Sanitary Council was the only major public health authority under the auspices of “Ministry of the Interior” up to 1920. Then the Ministry of Health and Charity Affairs or “Vezarat-e Sehhyeh va Omuor-e Kheiryyeh” was founded in 1920, but it was dissolved in 1921. Between 1921 and 1941, there was no ministry of public health in Iran and during this period, the public health and medical affairs were mananged by the Public Health Administration known as Sehhyeh Koll-e Mamlekati that was established in 1926 and finally in 1941, the Ministry of Health (Vezarat-e Behdari) was founded.

Upper gastrointestinal cancer is the most common cancer in Ardabil Province, North-West of Iran, accounting for more than 50% of all cancer deaths in this area. We conducted this study to determine the present survival rate of patients with esophageal and gastric cancers before launching interventional studies. A prospective follow-up study of 420 biopsy-proven patients (127 females, mean age: 64) with upper gastrointestinal cancer (141 esophageal and 279 stomach cancers) who were initially diagnosed in Aras Clinic, the main gastrointestinal referral center of Ardabil Province, from 2000 through 2004, was performed with collection of data on demographics, tumor characteristics, pathologic stage, treatment methods, complications, survival time, etc. Data were gathered through direct interview with patients or their families in 303 cases and evaluation of death certificates in 55 patients. Follow-up was from cancer diagnosis until death, or immigration. Survival according to stage of disease, Lauren tumor type, tumor location, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy was analyzed, and results were compared with those of western series. Sixty-two cases were lost to follow-up. The one- and five-year survival rates in the patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer in Ardabil Province were 40.5%, and 0.8%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, men had a slightly lower survival rate than women (P = 0.21) and patients with esophageal cancer had a longer survival rate compared to stomach cancer patients (P = 0.15). Patients who had undergone surgery (P < 0.001) and/or chemotherapy (P < 0.001) survived longer than those without such treatments. Tumor morphology, age at diagnosis, radiotherapy, alcohol, and opium consumption did not show any significant effects on the survival rate of patients. In multivariate analysis, only smoking was remained as an independent factor for stomach cancer (P = 0.04) while in esophageal cancer, surgery and grade of differentiation were significant predictors of survival. Survival rate of stomach and esophagus cancer cases in Ardabil is relatively low. Intervention for early detection and therapy is necessary to increase survival.

The p53 gene mutation is closely related to carcinogenesis in most malignant diseases. The main function of wild p53 protein is to maintain the integrity of genes by detecting mutations and preventing the division of cells with damaged DNA. The mutated form of p53 protein is overexpressed due to an extended half-life and can be easily detected by immunohisto­chemistry. To estimate the frequency of p53 protein overexpression in colorectal carcinoma and its correlation with some clinicopathologic variables. One hundred paraffin-preserved colorectal carcinoma samples were collected randomly from patients undergoing tumor resection from April 1995 through April 2001 in Omid Hospital, affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. The overexpression of p53 protein was studied using a monoclonal antibody (clone DO-7; Dako). The number of cells stained were classified semi­quanti­tatively as (–): <5% positive cells, (+): 5 – 25% positive cells, (++): 25 – 75% positive cells, and (+++): >75% positive cells. Clinicopathologic data including gender, age, tumor location, histologic type, and stage (Astler-Coller) were collected from the files maintained at the Department of Pathology. The correlation between p53 protein overexpression and each variable was evaluated using Chi-square analysis. p53 staining was positive in 59 of 100 specimens. Out of these 100 specimens, 16 were weekly (+), 16 moderately (++), and 27 intensely (+++) positive for p53 protein over-expression. There was no significant correlation between p53 staining and gender (P = 0.34), age (< 40 vs. ≥ 40 yr; P = 0.74), site of tumor (right vs. left colon and rectum; P = 0.26), pathologic type (mucinous vs. nonmucinous; P = 0.63), and stage of the disease (P = 0.12). Considering the p53 protein overexpression in a relatively high percentage of patients, it seems that p53 mutation plays an important role in development of colorectal carcinoma. There was no significant association between p53 protein expression and some common clinicopathologic variables such as age, gender, site of tumor, pathologic type, and stage of the disease

Microtia is a congenital abnormality with low incidence but considerable morbidities. Reconstruction of the microtia deformity is a complex and difficult process that requires a proper planning. The primary technique of reconstruction employs patient’s own rib cartilage. Irradiated homograft cartilages previously have been used in facial reconstruction but its application in microtia surgery has not been reported yet. This study is designed to compare the results of autograft versus homograft auriculoplasty. Between 1992 – 2002, 23 patients underwent auricular reconstructive surgery by the senior author in our department. Autograft implantation was performed in one stage but homograft auriculoplasty was done in two stages. Auricular deformity was right-sided in 13, left-sided in 8, and bilateral in 2 cases. Implanted graft was autograft in 9 patients and homograft in 14 patients. During mean follow-up of 4 years, cartilage graft resorption was detected in two cases, one in autograft and one in homograft group (P > 0.05). No postoperative infection was observed. Status of postauricular sulcus was optimal in 85.7% of homograft and 77.8% of autograft groups (P > 0.05). The satisfaction score of the patients and/or parents was excellent in 66.7% of autograft and 92.9% of homograft groups (P < 0.01). Based on better satisfaction score, equivalent aesthetic appearance, and absence of complications such as scaring and pain on the chest wall, homograft auriculoplasty is an appropriate option for reconstructive surgery in patients with microtia.

Los Angeles classification is widely adopted for reporting endoscopic gastroesophageal reflux disease. We assessed the inter- and intra-observer variability of the Los Angeles classification. Still images (n = 254) of the lower esophagus were presented to 9 gastroenterologists (6 experts and 3 trainees) and they were asked to report the images according to the Los Angeles classification. After 2 weeks the images were reordered and they were asked to report them again. Kappa statistic was calculated for intra- and inter-observer variability. The kappa for intra-observer agreement was 0.54 (attendings: 0.54; trainees; 0.55; P = not significant) and the inter-observer agreement was 0.22 (attendings: 0.20; trainees: 0.31;P = 0.027). The inter- and intra-observer kappa values in differentiating nonerosive from erosive cases were 0.22 (attendings: 0.21; trainees: 0.31, P = not significant) and 0.57 (attendings: 0.58; trainees: 0.55, P = not significant), respectively. According to our data, the Los Angeles classification has acceptable intra-observer variability, both for detecting presence or absence of erosions and for differentiating between different degrees of esophagitis, while its inter-observer performance seems to be less acceptable. It may be reasonable and timely to have another look at the Los Angeles classification to see whether its performance can be improved even further.

Neuropathy is one of the major complications contributing to morbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus. The effect of diabetes on brain has not been studied so much and no gross abnormality has been found in the central nervous system of patients with diabetic neuropathy. This study was conducted to evaluate the time-dependent structural changes in medial prefrontal cortex of male diabetic rats using Golgi-impregnation method. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control and diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. At the end of the first and second months, the rats were transcardially perfused with a solution of phosphate buffer containing paraformaldehyde and Golgi-impregnated method was used to evaluate the changes of dendritic spines in medial prefrontal cortex. There was a significant reduction in the mean density of pyramidal neuron dendritic spines in the layers II and III of medial prefrontal cortex only after 2 months in the diabetic group compared to age-matched controls (P < 0.05). Diabetes induces a reduction in the spine density of apical dendrites of medial prefrontal cortex only in two-month diabetic rats.

Multiple sclerosis is a leading cause of disability in young adults. Mitoxantrone has recently been shown to be effective in ameliorating multiple sclerosis activity and reducing the relapse rate. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of mitoxantrone on disease activity and decreasing relapse rate in patients with multiple sclerosis in Iran. This was a clinical trial on patients who received intravenous mitoxantrone, 12 mg/m2 every 3 months. The study was performed at Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Clinics, affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. This clinical trial was conducted from October 2003 through April 2005.One hundred and forty-seven patients with worsening relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis received mitoxantrone, 12 mg/m2 every 3 months. Clinical assessment was made every 3 months for one year. Of the 147 patients, 129 (93 females and 36 males) could successfully complete the course of our study. A significant therapeutic effect (P < 0.0001) was detected for the attack rate before and after treatment. The mean attack rate 12 months before treatment was 1.10 (SD = 0.95), which reduced to 0.09 (SD = 0.29) during treatment.THE Mean expanded disability status scale at the beginning of the treatment was 4.32, which declined to 3.62 (P < 0.0001) after one year. Mitoxantrone was generally well tolerated and reduced progression of disability and clinical exacerbation in our patients. Physicians must be careful about the complications of mitoxantrone especially cardiotoxicity.

Wilms’ tumor (nephroblastoma) is the most common renal malignancy of childhood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics of Wilms’ tumor and the results of combined modality treatment obtained in our center in Tehran. Fifty-five patients diagnosed as having Wilms’ tumor were studied in the period between February 1992 and March 2002. Demographic features, mode of presentation, associated anomalies, the stage of tumor, histopathologic results, and the survival rates were evaluated. Of these 55 patients, 31 were males and 24 were females (M/F = 1.2). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 45.2 months. The distribution of 54 operated patients according to the surgical stage was: stage I 32.7%, stage II 16.36%, stage III 38.1%, stage IV 9%, and stage V 1.8% (one patient (1.8%) has not been operated). Favorable histology was diagnosed in 54.5% and unfavorable histology in 43.6% of the patients. The patients were treated according to National Wilms’ Tumor Study protocols. The relapse-free and overall 4 years survival rates were 71% and 86%, respectively. As a developing country, with similar relapse free and overall survival rates to National Wilms’ Tumor Study, our institution showed an improvement in the treatment of patients with Wilms’ tumor in recent 10 years, but with more adaptation to the National Wilms’ Tumor Study treatment protocols better optimum results seem to be achievable.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is a rare and disabling syndrome, which is characterized by heterotopic ossifications and skeletal deformities. So far, around 200 patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva have been reported in the world literature. Herein, we analyze the clinical records of 7 known cases of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva from Iran who were admitted to the pediatrics wards of our centers between 1983 and 2002, and present the radiologic findings.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma is defined as neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells in soft tissue. It accounts for up to 3% of all plasma cell tumors. Approximately, 90% of extramedullary plasmacytomas are found in the head and neck region commonly affecting the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, tonsillar fossa, and oral cavity. Radiotherapy is the common modality of treatment with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. We report a case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the gingiva.

Carcinoid tumor of lung with Cushing’s syndrome is a rare condition. We report a 38-year-old man, with a 28-month history of Cushing’s syndrome presented with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, decreased libido, muscle weakness and fatigability, moon facies, buffalo hump, truncal obesity, cutaneous striae, and easy bruisability. Diagnosis was made by measurements of ACTH (149 pg/mL) and cortisol levels (36 µg/dL) and computerized tomography of the chest.

Herein, we report on a well-characterized benign metastasizing leiomyoma, presented in an unusual site. Up to the knowledge of authors, so far, only 76 cases of benign metastasizing leiomyoma have been reported. The tumor presented as a retroperitoneal mass three years after a hysterectomy Performed for leiomyomatosis of the uterus with extensive areas of hyalinization. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies of the resected mass were similar to the uterine leiomyoma, showing moderate cellularity of bland looking smooth muscle cells with minimal atypia, inconspicuous mitosis, and no necrosis in a hyalinized background.

Primary subacute osteomyelitis is difficult to diagnose, because of its insidious onset, mild symptoms, lack of a systemic reaction, and similarity with tumoral conditions. This condition is seen mostly in the epiphysis or metaphysis of tibia. Although it has been reported at various bones, its occurrence in the greater trochanter is rare. We describe two patients, 4 and 14 years old, with mild pain of the hip joint and limping without history of acute bone infection. Radiography showed a lytic lesion in the greater trochanter resembling Brodie abscess. Both patients were treated completely with antibiotics.

A 32-year-old primigravid woman developed acquired factor VIII inhibitor after delivery. She presented with postpartum hemorrhage and large hematoma in episiotomy site. Laboratory examinations showed markedly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, low levels of factor VIII (8%), and factor VIII inhibitor (2 Bethesda units). The bleeding was controlled successfully using combined treatment with factor VIII, intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids, and recombinant factor VIIa. Six months after delivery, factor VIII inhibitor was not present and factor VIII concentration increased to normal range.Acquired hemophilia is a life-threatening disorder. Precise screening of coagulation factors is essential for diagnosis of persisting postpartum hemorrhage.

We present a case of renal stone associated with bilateral pelvic diverticula. The initial diagnosis by ultrasonography and plain abdomen radiography (KUB) was urolithiasis with a 15-mm calculus in the right renal pelvis. The patient was referred for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, but no stone fragments were yielded. So, further evaluations were performed by using repeated ultrasonography, intravenous urography, and computerized tomography, which revealed the presence of diverticula in both right and left renal pelvises with stone fragments within the right sided diverticulum. We concluded that intravenous urography and contrast-enhanced computerized tomography are essential for confirmation of diagnosis when ultrasonographic findings suggest the presence of renal cystic lesions, or when stone fragments are not yielded after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

The first scientific journal of dentistry in Iran was published by the “Iranian Dentists’ Syndicate” (called in Persian “Sandikay-e Dandanpezeshkan-e Iran”) in 1951. A brief account of the journal and its editorial board is presented here.