[Imaging features of multiple maxillomandibular brown tumors: a case report]

Brown tumors are rare osteolytic lesions occurring in 1.5-1.7% of patients with chronic end-stage renal failure. They are caused by PTH-induced bone remodeling. We here report the case of a young woman on hemodialysis for chronic end-stage renal failure with painless maxillo-mandibular swellings occurred 7 months before. Clinical examination showed facial deformity with two maxillary and mandibular masses to palpation. Laboratory tests revealed hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia with hyperparathyroidism. CT scan of the face revealed multiple osteolytic masses in the maxillary and mandibular bones, with significant bone rarefaction and signs of diffuse bone resorption. The diagnosis of multiple brown tumors of the face was retained based on clinical, biological and radiological features. Brown tumors are a rare entity usually characterized by maxillomandibular involvement in patients with chronic renal failure. Practitioners should suspect them, hence the interest in this study.