The role of MRI and CT in diagnosis and treatment planning of cherubism: a 13-year follow-up case report

Aim Cherubism is characterised by mesenchymal alterations during the development of the jaws secondary to perivascular fibrosis. According to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, it is important to avoid conditions where the amount of radiation used is more than that needed for the procedure, because there is no benefit from unnecessary radiation. However, the use of MRI has been poorly studied in cherubism. Materials and methods The patient underwent head and neck MRI and 3D CT for imaging assessment. Results MRI is necessary to evaluate the extension of dysplastic tissue and the cystic part of the lesions. Bone window CT only allows evaluation of strong densitometric alterations of cherubism lesions. Moreover, on radiographic film it is not always possible to distinguish fibrous tissue from mucous pseudocystic tissue. By contrast these differences are readily evident on MRI. Conclusion MRI, in addition to other traditional radiographs and CT, could be useful in helping the clinician in the diagnosis and treatment of cherubism.