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Atypical Nasopalatine Duct Cyst in a Grafted Alveolar Cleft: Radiographic Diagnostic Challenges
Ana Carolina Carneiro Cardoso1,2, Tatiana Del Corso Galhardo1, Thaisa Do Nascimento Dias3
1Department of Oral Diagnosis, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo (HRAC-USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Nasopalatine duct cysts in grafted alveolar clefts can show unusual X-ray signs. Careful imaging is key for diagnosing these rare cysts in cleft lip and palate patients.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Radiology
- Craniofacial Anomalies
Background:
- Nasopalatine duct cysts (NPDCs) are common jaw cysts.
- Cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients often undergo alveolar bone grafting.
- NPDCs in grafted sites present diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the radiographic features of an NPDC in a grafted alveolar cleft region.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges posed by atypical presentations.
- To emphasize the importance of radiographic assessment in managing such cases.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a CLP patient with a radiolucent lesion post-bone grafting.
- Radiographic analysis including lesion characteristics and incisive canal involvement.
- Differential diagnosis considering odontogenic and non-odontogenic cysts.
Main Results:
- A well-defined, unilocular radiolucent lesion was identified in the anterior maxilla.
- The lesion displaced the incisive canal, mimicking other cystic lesions.
- The cyst's location and the patient's surgical history complicated diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- NPDCs can exhibit atypical radiographic features in grafted alveolar clefts.
- Alveolar bone grafting trauma may influence cyst development.
- Accurate radiographic assessment is crucial for differential diagnosis and management of NPDCs in grafted sites.
