[Cherubism: a new case with review of literature]

To evaluate radiological characteristics of cherubism.

We report the case of a 7-year-old boy presented with facial deformity, bilateral mandibular swellings, right exophthalmia and dislocated teeth. Panoramic radiograph, Computed tomography scan and MR imaging were performed.

Panoramic radiograph revealed multiloculated osteolysis involving the entire mandible and the right maxilla with dislocated teeth. Computed tomography scan showed multicystic expansive bony masses without cortical disruption occupying the mandible and right maxilla with extension to the orbital floor. On MR, these lesions demonstrated intermediate inhomogeneous signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images with high enhancement after gadolinium administration. MRI was useful in identifying orbital involvement. These clinical and radiological findings are in favor of the diagnosis of cherubism.

Cherubism is a rare hereditary benign lesion of the mandible that appears in childhood as bilateral painless swellings which progress until puberty, then spontaneously regress. Plain radiographs and computed tomography scan are sufficient for diagnosis. MR imaging is useful to study the expansion to soft tissues, in particular in the aggressive forms, and establish preoperative vascular assessment. The treatment is plastic and aims to correct the facial deformities.