Oral Maxillofac Surg (2014) 18:351–353 DOI 10.1007/s10006-014-0454-5
CASE REPORT
Imaging characteristics of a Stafne bone cavity—panoramic radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging Florian Andreas Probst & Monika Probst & Ira-Zacharoula Maistreli & Sven Otto & Matthias Troeltzsch
Received: 27 January 2014 / Accepted: 26 June 2014 / Published online: 7 August 2014 # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014
Abstract Introduction A rare case of Stafne bone cavity (SBC) with salivary gland herniation confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is described. Results It was diagnosed in a 72-year-old male patient. Surgical intervention was avoided. The report highlights imaging findings of panoramic radiography, computed tomography, and especially magnetic resonance tomography. Conclusion It is demonstrated that employment of MRI for further evaluation of suspicion of SBC on panoramic radiographs can be a helpful diagnostic tool. Keywords Cystic lesion . Mandible . Stafne bone cavity . Diagnostics . Magnetic resonance imaging
Introduction The terms Stafne bone cavity (SBC) or lingual mandibular bone defect (LMBD) describe lingual pits of the mandibular bone first reported by Stafne in 1942 [1–3]. SBC is rare with a prevalence of about 0.5 % [4] and is mainly seen in males between the fourth and sixth decade [3]. Although the etiology of SBC is under scientific debate, most studies conclude that sustained mechanical pressure exerted by the sublingual or submandibular glands play a decisive role [4–6]. In panoramic radiographs, F. A. Probst (*) : I.