Cholesterol Granuloma in Odontogenic Cyst: An Enigmatic Lesion.

Mala Kamboj,Anju Devi,Shruti Gupta

doi:10.1155/2016/6105142

Abstract

Cholesterol granuloma (CG) is the outcome of the foreign body type of response to the accumulation of cholesterol crystals and is frequently present in conjunction with chronic middle ear diseases. Recently, cases of CG in jaws have been reported, but still, very few cases have been found of CG in dental literature. This article presents three rare cases of CG in the wall of odontogenic cysts emphasizing on its possible role in expansion of the associated lesion and bone erosion. It also lays stress on the fact that more cases of CG should be reported so that its nature and pathogenesis in the oral cavity become more perceivable.

Highlights

Cholesterol granuloma (CG) is a histopathological entity that is characterized by collection of numerous cholesterol clefts, which are associated with foreign body giant cells, foam cells, and hemosiderin filled macrophages [1]
We report additional three cases of CG occurring in wall of odontogenic cysts (Table 1)
CG is considered as a nonspecific histopathological reaction to cholesterol crystals rather than a clinical or pathological entity

Summary

Introduction

Cholesterol granuloma (CG) is a histopathological entity that is characterized by collection of numerous cholesterol clefts, which are associated with foreign body giant cells, foam cells, and hemosiderin filled macrophages [1]. Most common site of occurrence of CG is middle ear (generally associated with chronic middle ear diseases). Brain, kidneys, mastoid process, breast, sella turcica, pontocerebelline angle, testis, and apex of temporal bone pyramid are the other sites where CG can occur [2]. It was reported that CG could occur in the facial skeleton, maxillary antrum and frontal bone being the two common sites [3]. The clinical symptoms are nonspecific and depend on the localization and extent in each individual case [1]. Very few cases of CG occurring in jaws have been reported in the English literature. We report three unique cases where the odontogenic cysts were secondarily inflamed and showed expansion and associated bone destruction due to CG formation

Case Series

Discussion

Conclusion