J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2013; 74(06): 364-368
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1347374
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Fibrous Dysplasia of the Maxilla: Diagnostic Reliability of the Study Image. Literature Review

Massimo Fusconi
1   Department of Sensory Organs, University “La Sapienza” of Roma, Rome, Italy
,
Michela Conte
1   Department of Sensory Organs, University “La Sapienza” of Roma, Rome, Italy
,
Martina Pagliarella
2   Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Università dell'Aquila, Aquila, Italy
,
Chiara De Vincentiis
3   Radiodiagnostic Department, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
,
Armando De Virgilio
1   Department of Sensory Organs, University “La Sapienza” of Roma, Rome, Italy
,
Anna Teresa Benincasa
1   Department of Sensory Organs, University “La Sapienza” of Roma, Rome, Italy
,
Simone Alessi
1   Department of Sensory Organs, University “La Sapienza” of Roma, Rome, Italy
,
Andrea Gallo
4   Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome “La Sapienza,” Rome, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

02 December 2012

05 March 2013

Publication Date:
13 June 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Objective Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a benign bone disorder in facial bones. This study evaluates the possibility of diagnosing fibrous dysplasia on imaging alone, without biopsy of the lesion, which is often burdensome for the patient.

Materials and Methods The authors bring their experience of four cases of bone lesions of the maxillofacial region and present a review of published studies. The imaging techniques evaluated are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with and without contrast.

Results The literature review demonstrates that it is impossible to make diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia exclusively by imaging. Radiographic images often show a ground-glass appearance, which is characteristic but not pathognomonic of fibrous dysplasia.

Conclusion Although CT and MRI images may in many cases suggest a diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia, histological examination or follow-up imaging should follow.