Simple bone cyst versus odontogenic keratocyst: differential diagnosis by digitized panoramic radiography

Abstract

To identify the contour and pixel grey levels of simple bone cyst (SBC) and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) images that might contribute to differentiating between the two lesions. Panoramic radiographs of 32 SBC and 20 OKC were digitized and analysed by six examiners. The contours of the images were classified as indistinct, distinct without a sclerotic border, and distinct with a sclerotic border. The presence or absence of scalloping and the pixel grey levels of the radiolucent part of the images were also determined. The sclerotic border was more frequent in the OKC, especially in the posterior segment (P = 0.0301). The presence of scalloping was more frequent in the superior segment of the SBC (P = 0.0295). The pixel values were higher in the OKC than in the SBC images (P = 0.00134). Details about the contour and pixel grey levels of OKC and SBC assist in the diagnosis of these lesions.