Maxillary bone lesions in McCune-Albright syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Objectives In this study, we report on the clinical maxillary manifestations of a patient affected by McCune-Albright syndrome and the implications for orthodontic therapy. Materials and methods A male, 8-year-old patient was examined at the Department of Orthodontics of the University of L’Aquila for a problem of anterior open-bite. In the clinical examination, a small swelling of the left hemi-maxilla was seen in the area corresponding to the root apex of 16 and under the tooth buds of 14 and 15. In a panoramic radiograph, a radio-opaque area was detected in this zone. From the computer tomography examination, a bone lesion was identified. Results Identification of this bone lesion led to the clinical-instrumental diagnosis of McCune-Albright syndrome. This was then confirmed in the histological diagnosis. Conclusions It is always useful to have diagnostic doubts about atypical clinical manifestations at the craniofacial level, as they are often local signs of a systemic syndrome. This is important for patient health, and also for orthodontic treatment planning.