Head and Neck Imaging

Cherubism

rare, congenital fibro-osseous disease of the jaws. The disease starts in early childhood (26 years of age). The bilateral enlargement of the mandible produces a full, rounded face, resembling the cherubs portrayed in Renaissance religious art. In many cases, the maxilla will later also show gradual bilateral enlargement (this depresses the lower eyelids, causing an 'eyes raised to heaven' look). Radiographically, multiple cystic cavities are seen in the jaws, causing bone expansion; the cysts tend to coalesce when becoming larger (Fig.1). A possible differential diagnosis is basal cell naevus syndrome, but this is not associated with pronounced facial deformity.

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Fig.1

Multiple expansile cystic lesions are seen in the mandible and maxilla on both sides, causing facial deformity.
Cherubism, Fig.1