Abstract:
Stafne bone cavity belongs to the class of pseudocysts as a mandibular
radiolucency image with well-defined borders. It is asymptomatic and
incidentally discovered. CT scan is the best examination to identify
characteristics and content of this image. This study aimed to highlight
these radiological features to establish the correct diagnosis.
Keywords :
Mandible; Radiography, Panoramic; Salivary Glands; Tomography, X-Ray
Computed; Osteolysis.
A 62-year-old female patient presented with right mandibular pain
related to the right first molar (46). Panoramic radiography revealed a
well-limited lacunar image with a clear peripheral condensation border,
located below the mandibular canal that was incidentally detected
(Figure 1-A). At this stage, several diagnoses were possible, including
keratocyst, ameloblastoma, and Stafne lacuna. A second-line mandibular
computed tomography examination was performed. It showed a well-limited
osteolysis involving both the spongious and the lingual cortical bone.
The vestibular table was reduced without rupture (Figure 1-B). The
mandibular canal was located below and medially to this osteolysis
(Figure 1-B, 1-C), extending to the mandibular basilar border (Figure
1-C, 1-D). Narrow window sections with contrast injection revealed the
presence of grease density tissue within the osteolysis, centered by
tissue of glandular nature in communication with the submandibular gland
(Figure 1-E, 1-F).
All these clinical and radiological features were in favor of Stafne
bone cavity. It is a benign, asymptomatic, and rare bony depression of
incidental finding, often found in the posterior region of the mandible1. It is due to an exaggerated depression caused by
hyperplastic lobe of a salivary gland and classified according to the
basis of its depth and content 2.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no
conflict of interest.
Funding : This research did not receive any specific grant from
funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
A consent statement: A written informed consent was obtained in
accordance with the journal’s patient consent policy.
Authors’ contribution: Dr. R. K. contributed to the study
design, radiographs analysis, and writing of the paper. Dr. I. CH.
contributed to the study design and radiographs analysis. Dr. T. BA.
supervised the study, contributed to radiographs analysis, and to the
writing of the paper.