A radiologic study of ameloblastoma using computed tomography

Park, Hyok; Jeong, Ho Gul; Kim, Kee Deog; Park, Chang Seo

Abstract

PURPOSE
To reveal what is the distinct differential diagnostic differences between unicystic ameloblastoma and solid or multicystic ameloblastoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 56 cases of ameloblastoma were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated among the patients who had taken CT scans at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology in Yonsei University Dental Hospital from January 1996 to December 2003. RESULTS: In 56 cases, 21 cases (37.5%) were unicystic ameloblastoma, 35 cases (62.5%) were solid or multicystic ameloblastoma. Only 1 case (4.8%) of unicystic ameloblastoma and 4 cases (11.4%) of solid or multicystic ameloblastoma were occurred in maxilla. 13 cases (61.9%) of unicystic ameloblastoma were observed as unilocular, and 8 cases (38.1%) as lobulated. 5 cases (14.3%) of solid or multicystic ameloblastoma were observed as unilocular, 13 cases (37.1%) as lobulated, and 17 cases (48.6%) as multilocular. In the results from the measurements after correction of the buccolingual widths and heights to the mesiodistal lengths, there is a statistically significant difference between unicystic ameloblastoma and solid or multicystic ameloblastoma in ANCOVA test (p< 0.05). Hounsfield units in the lesion were 24.9 +/- 8.8 HU in unicystic ameloblastoma, 31.2 +/- 11.5 HU in solid or multicystic ameloblastoma. There is no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Characteristic differences between unicystic ameloblastoma and solid or multicystic ameloblastoma is that there is higher prevalence of solid or multicystic ameloblastoma that have lobulated or multilocular patterns. To measure the Hounsfield units in the lesion is helpful, but it is not a differential diagnostic point between unicystic ameloblastoma and solid or multicystic ameloblastoma.