Computed tomographic features of calcifying odontogenic cysts.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the CT appearances of 4 cases of the calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) with particular reference to the effect of varying the window settings.


METHODS
Conventional radiographs and CT scans of 4 calcifying odontogenic cysts were analyzed with respect to the presence of an impacted tooth, root resorption and calcification. In addition, increased attenuation by desquamated keratin was examined by varying the window settings on CT.


RESULTS
All lesions were located in the maxilla and on conventional radiographs, had unilocular radiolucency with a well-defined margin. Calcifications and inclusion of an impacted tooth were seen in all cases. Root resorption was observed in two cases, but was not prominent. On CT, calcification was detected at the periphery of the lesion and/or around the impacted tooth in all cases. Varying the window setting revealed an increased attenuation area due to desquamated keratin.


CONCLUSIONS
Varying the window setting on CT is useful as a means of identifying both desquamated keratin and peripheral calcification in COC.
Yoshiura
K
K
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Kyushu University, Japan.
Tabata
O
O
Miwa
K
K
Tanaka
T
T
Shimizu
M
M
Higuchi
Y
Y
Shinohara
M
M
Kanda
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018333:Odontogenic Cyst, Calcifying / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging