Central haemangioma of an edentulous mandible

Radiological features of central haemangioma of the jaws

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical features of central haemangioma of the jaws.

METHODS

A total of 86 cases (84 from the English-language literature and two new cases) were studied and critically evaluated with emphasis on the radiological features.

RESULTS

Age at time of initial diagnosis ranged from 0 to 74 years (mean 23 years, median 17 years). There was approximately equal distribution between females and males. The ratio between the mandible and maxilla was 3.3:1. Of the lesions, 69% were located in the posterior region of the jaws. Lesions were radiolucent in 96% of cases. Of the lesions, 66% were multilocular, 33% unilocular, and 1% not loculated. Borders were described in 41 cases, as well defined in 32% and diffuse in 68%. Tooth resorption was described in 23% of the lesions and tooth displacement in 16%, both more common in the mandible. The inferior alveolar nerve canal was involved in 15% of the mandibular lesions and the sinus in 35% of the maxillary lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Central haemangioma has a marked variability in its radiological appearance and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of many unilocular or multilocular radiolucent lesions of the jaws, especially in the mandible. Some radiographic patterns, such as the spoke-like and sunray appearance frequently described in the literature, are actually extremely rare.

Arteriovenous fistula of the mandible: a review of the literature and report of a case

The authors, after a careful review of the literature during the last 15 years concerning arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the jaws, report a case of congenital arteriovenous fistula of the mandible characterized by several episodes of spontaneous hemorrhage requiring emergency hemimandibulectomy. Radiologic, arteriographic and pathologic aspects of this lesion are discussed. Even though nomenclature concerning AVM of the jaws is confusing the authors draw attention to the embryologic features which are responsible for these lesions. They also point out the main diagnostic and therapeutic aspects emphasizing the small effect that ligation of the external carotid artery has on bleeding and the importance of choosing case by case the best treatment considering the great variety of clinical and pathologic aspects that characterize these lesions.

Arteriovenous aneurysm of the mandible. Report of a case

An arteriovenous aneurysm of the mandible in a 10-year-old boy presented as a pulsating epulis associated with slight intraoral bleeding. A few hours after the child was admitted to the hospital, there was a massive spontaneous hemorrhage which was successfully arrested by ligation of the external carotid artery. Rapid regression and recalcification of the lesion have followed this preliminary procedure which, unexpectedly, has proved in this case to be the best form of definitive treatment. A review of the literature concerning the treatment of this rare lesion is given.