Abstract
Imaging studies of the brain, head and neck, sinuses, and dental computed tomography
are among the most frequently performed procedures in radiologic departments. Systematic
evaluation in the bone window may reveal common and uncommon sclerotic osseous abnormalities
of the craniofacial skeleton.
Most of these findings are incidental and unrelated to the initial clinical indications.
Sporadically symptoms may arise due to lesional mass effect with compression on adjacent
structures and neuroforaminal encroachment, resulting in proptosis, vision, or hearing
loss. Other symptoms include craniofacial deformity, mandibular occlusion deformity,
and local pain.
This article reviews the most common disorders characterized by an increased bone
density involving the craniofacial bones including fibrous dysplasia, Paget's disease
of bone, meningioma with associated hyperostosis, and osteoma. Finally, typical examples
of rarer sclerosing bone dysplasias are discussed as well.
Emphasis is placed on imaging features and the differential diagnosis.
Keywords
fibrous dysplasia - Paget's disease of bone - sclerotic bone lesions - craniofacial
bones - meningioma with hyperostosis
