Imaging Science in Dentistry

Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (대한영상치의학회)
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Three cases of cholesterol granuloma in the mandible

  • Shin, Min-Jung (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University) ;
  • Shin, Jae-Myung (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sanggye Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University) ;
  • Huh, Kyung-Hoe (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University) ;
  • Yi, Won-Jin (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Dental Research Institute and BK 21, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University) ;
  • Moon, Je-Woon (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University) ;
  • Choi, Soon-Chul (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University)
  • Published : 2007.12.31
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Abstract

Cholesterol granuloma is an unusual clinical entity described as an inflammatory granulation in response to the deposit of cholesterol crystals. It can develop in any portion of air cells within the temporal bone as a result of a lack of aeration and inadequate drainage, especially in the middle ear cavity. Here, we report very unusual three cases of cholesterol granuloma developed in mandible. In the first case a 68-year-old male with a large mass arising from the mandible was observed. Panoramic radiograph and computed tomography scans revealed a huge expanding lesion in the mandible. In the second case a 47-year-old female with a cystic lesion in the mandible was observed. And in the third case a 19-year-old male complaining atypical facial pain had a large lesion in the mandibular ramus. The histopathologic examinations of the cases showed numerous cholesterol crystals surrounded by multinucleated foreign body giant cells.

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