Cherubism--clinical picture and treatment

Cherubism is a rare, painless, disfigurating disease primarily affecting bones of the jaws.

To report on five patients with cherubism. The symptoms of the disease, methods of management and possible mode of inheritance are discussed and literature is reviewed.

The study involves five cherubs, members of one family. The diagnoses were based on history, physical examination, laboratory tests, X-ray parameters, and clinical follow-up. One member of the family had surgical intervention. The remaining cases were left for observation.

Good aesthetic and long lasting effect was reached in the operated patient.

Treatment is unnecessary unless functional or emotional disturbances develop. An autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance is suggested for these cases, although autosomal dominant transmission has been previously established.