abstract: The clinical picture of cherubism is similar to that of fibrous dysplasia. The initial clinical appearance involves the deformation of the maxillo-facial area with orthodontic disorder. Usually it is found in the mandible, giving the child a chubby-faced appearance, and it often occurs together with symmetric submandibular lymph node enlargement. This appearance reminds one of the cherubs seen in art. Only histological evidence for cherubism is inconclusive. The presence of multi-nucleated giant cells resembles fibrous dysplasia. A combination of clinical, radiographical, and histological findings eventually leads to the correct diagnosis.An example is given of a patient displaying the typical disease process. Over a period of 12 years, we observed the progression of the disease from its initial appearance in a young child, through the full and characteristic display of a cherubic youth, and finally its regression.In conclusion, we advise restraint in planning surgical intervention. The disease's etiology is not entirely clear. The latest research points to genetic defects that lead to failure in the expression of matrix proteins.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie/Plastische Chirurgie der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, . Peter.Schleier@med.uni-jena.de.|Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie/Plastische Chirurgie der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, An der alten Post 4, 07740 Jena, . Peter.Schleier@med.uni-jena.de.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schleier
authors.affiliation: Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie (IDIR) der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals,- Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie/Plastische Chirurgie der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hyckel
keywords: Cherubism; Computed tomography; Diagnosis; Follow up