Paediatric Imaging

Cherubism

a subtype of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia with symmetrical involvement of the maxilla and mandible. The condition is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, develops in the young child and is more severe in boys than girls. Clinically the child presents with massive asymptomatic facial swellings and associated downward displacement of the lower eyelids creating a cherub appearance (eyes raised to heaven). The swelling increases rapidly in size for 23 years, remains static until puberty and then slowly resolves. Radiographs show bilateral symmetrical welldefined multilocular lucencies within the mandible. The maxilla shows cortical expansion and destruction with associated soft tissue opacification of the maxillary antra. Soft tissue masses which may contain calcification also occur within the oral cavity and canine fossae. Dentition is abnormal with premature loss of deciduous and permanent teeth and congenital absence of some molars and premolars.

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