Intracranial arachnoid cyst on dental radiography: a diagnostic challenge

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2013 Mar;115(3):e53-9. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2012.07.483. Epub 2012 Oct 24.

Abstract

Intracranial arachnoid cysts (IACs) can present as congenital asymptomatic lesions that may predispose them to present as an incidental finding during radiographic examination. On the other hand, IACs may also give rise to a series of neurologic symptoms depending on their size and location, such as vomiting, seizures, headache, and ataxia. Skull deformities, including macrocephaly, may occur and become remarkable on dental radiology. We report 2 patients who were identified with IAC before orthodontic treatment. The dental radiologic appearance of IAC is discussed and may constitute a diagnostic challenge to both the dentist and radiologist.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arachnoid Cysts / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cephalometry / methods*
  • Cranial Fossa, Middle / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Maxillary Sinus / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbit / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography, Panoramic / methods*
  • Skull Base / diagnostic imaging
  • Sphenoid Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Young Adult