Focal sclerosing osteomyelitis/focal periapical osteopetrosis: radiographic patterns

Forty-one histologically documented instances of focal sclerosing osteomyelitis and focal periapical osteopetrosis have been evaluated for radiomorphologic characteristics. These reactive lesions exhibit five distinct patterns that include periapical focal opacifications, target lesions, radiolucencies, multiconfluent configurations, and opacifications with concomitant root resorption. While an irritational origin can usually be detected in chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis, the cause of focal periapical osteopetrosis remains enigmatic.