Clinical and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Features of Orthokeratinized Odontogenic Cysts and Odontogenic Keratocysts in the Mandible

Incidental finding of orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst with unusual features

Orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC) is a rare developmental odontogenic cyst occurring in the jaw with debated etiology. It was originally believed to be a variant of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) but is now considered to be a distinct entity. The majority of the cases occur in the third and fourth decades of life. The common site is the mandibular posterior region with a male predilection. Swelling is the most common symptom which may be accompanied by pain, although in most cases, the lesion is asymptomatic. These lesions mostly present as unilocular radiolucency often associated with an impacted tooth. They may mimic dentigerous cyst and OKC in radiologic and histopathologic presentation, however, differ in biological behavior, pathogenesis and prognosis in comparison. Hence, making an accurate diagnosis is essential. This article describes an incidental finding of OOC in a 28-year-old female during radiographic investigation for orthodontic treatment. This case showed some rare features such as multilocular radiolucency, nonkeratinized epithelium in areas of inflammation, few cholesterol clefts with giant cells, presence of dentinoid-like material and dystrophic calcification in the capsule.

Orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst: A large series and comprehensive literature review with emphasis on synchronous multiple occurrence and neoplastic transformation

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the clinical, radiologic, and histologic features of orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC); determine the characteristics of multiple OOCs; and present rare but significant manifestations of OOC.

STUDY DESIGN

A clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic study of 65 primary and 2 recurrent OOC cases was performed retrospectively along with a comprehensive literature review.

RESULTS

OOCs shared similar radiologic findings with odontogenic keratocyst, yet some showed features that have not been previously described: root resorption and radiopaque foci. Histologic review revealed a unique histiocytic lining and some findings suggestive of the multipotentiality of the odontogenic epithelium. The analysis of patients with multiple OOCs demonstrated that multiple OOCs occurred synchronously with a marked predilection for young male adults. Two unusual cases were also identified: an OOC combined with a BRAF^V600E ameloblastoma and a recurrent OOC with malignant transformation.

CONCLUSIONS

This largest series presents previously unreported radiographic and histopathologic features that can be seen in OOC. Multiple OOCs have clinical characteristics distinct from those of solitary cases. The first reported OOC associated with ameloblastoma suggests the involvement of oncogenic mutations in odontogenic tumorigenesis. Although OOC shows a low recurrence rate, the possibility of malignant transformation of recurrent OOCs should be emphasized.