Radiographic and morphologic studies of multiple miliary osteomas of cadaver skin.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency, chemical composition, and radiographic and morphologic features of multiple miliary osteomas of the facial skin.


METHODS
Facial skin was obtained from 33 cadavers. After contact radiographs were taken, osteomas were examined by photo and scanning electron microscopy. Radiographic microanalysis of inorganic elements of the osteomas was also performed. In addition, clinical dental radiographic examinations were performed on 158 living subjects.


RESULTS
Radiographic examination revealed milia-like osteomas in the facial skin of all of the cadavers. Nodules of 0.5 to 2.0 mm in diameter were scattered symmetrically in the skin of the cheek, mandibular angle, and forehead. Each nodule consisted of a concentric, multilamellated, osteoid cortex and an adipose medulla. Microanalysis suggested the presence of hydroxyapatite similar in composition to that of normal cortical bone. The condition was detected in 28% (44/158) of the living subjects by clinical dental radiographic examination.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple miliary osteoma is a very common condition and may not be related to specific diseases.
Department of Oral Radiology, Okayama University Dental School, Japan.
H
H
Shigehara
Y
Y
Honda
K
K
Kishi
T
T
Sugimoto
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001857:Bone Matrix / Q000473:pathology; D002102:Cadaver; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D002610:Cheek; D017886:Durapatite / Q000032:analysis; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005546:Forehead; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D012737:Sex Factors
D010758:Phosphorus; D017886:Durapatite; D002118:Calcium