radicular cyst

Periapical cysts, also known as radicular cysts, are the most frequent cystic lesion related to teeth (see mandibular lesions) and result from infection of the tooth.

On imaging, they generally appear as a round- or pear-shaped, unilocular, lucent lesion in the periapical region, usually measuring <1 cm.

Epidemiology

Periapical cysts are typically seen in middle to older age (3 to 6 decades) .

Pathology

Periapical cysts result from infection of the tooth, which spreads to the apex and into the adjacent bone. This leads to apical periodontitis, granuloma formation and eventual cyst formation. These cysts are therefore centered on the apex of the tooth and tend to be small, most <1 cm. There is also unsurprisingly usually overt evidence of caries.

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph and CT

Most radicular cysts appear as round- or pear-shaped, unilocular, lucent lesions in the periapical region . They are usually <1 cm in diameter and are bordered by a thin rim of cortical bone. The associated tooth usually has a deep restoration or large carious lesion. Caries will appear as erosion of the enamel/crown of the associated tooth.

MRI

MRI is not the first-line imaging modality but periapical cysts appear as a non-enhancing lesion at the apex of a tooth. These cysts typically return low T1 signal and high T2 signal.

Differential diagnosis

• periapical abscess
  • inflammation involves tooth root apex
• periapical granuloma
• dentigerous cyst
  • lesion around the crown of an unerupted/impacted tooth
• keratocystic odontogenic tumor

See also 

• periapical radiolucency

Siehe auch:

• Dental abscess
• dentigerous cyst
• Wurzelspitzengranulom
• lytische Läsionen der Maxilla
• Läsionen der Mandibula

und weiter:

• nasopalatine duct cyst
• Wurzelspitzenabszess
• residual cyst of the mandible
• lytische Läsionen der Mandibula
• aneurysmatische Knochenzyste der Mandibula