Craniofacial melorheostosis

Abstract

Melorheostosis is a rare benign disease of cortical bone most frequently presenting as peripheral hyperostosis with a characteristic "melting wax" appearance on conventional radiographs. The disease most frequently affects the appendicular skeleton and is seen only rarely in the craniofacial bones. We discuss a case of melorheostosis in the nasal cavity and skull base with an atypical radiographic appearance and suggest findings that may differentiate craniofacial melorheostosis from more common entities in this region.