Characteristic MRI and cone beam CT findings in a case of paradental cysts arising in the bilateral retromolar regions of the mandible

Abstract

Paradental cyst is an inflammatory odontogenic cyst linked with mandibular molars. The occurrence rate of the lesion ranges from 0.9 to 4.7% suggesting its infrequency. The histopathologic findings in hematoxylin and eosin routine staining are not pathognomonic, and the correlation with clinical and imaging characteristics is essential to establish the final diagnosis. The periapical radiographs show a unilocular radiolucency on the distal or disto/buccal aspect of the involved tooth, however, the lesion can superimpose over the roots and mimic periapical pathology. We report the imaging features of a rare bilateral paradental cyst with an emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging and cone beam computed tomography to help a correct identification and characterization of the cyst and to reliably establish the diagnosis.