Non-familial cherubism

Abstract

Cherubism is a rare, self-limiting, non-neoplastic fibro-osseous disorder of the jaws, usually seen in pediatric population. It is characterized by painless bilateral swelling of the jaws that gives the patient a typical cherubic appearance. Here, we describe the clinical, radiographic, histologic and computed tomographic features of cherubism in a 6-year-old boy.

Keywords: Cherubism; computed tomography; fibro-osseous disorder; giant cell lesions.

Figure 1

Patient's profile

Figure 2

Panoramic radiograph showing multioculated osteolytic lesions involving the jaw.

Figure 3

Computed tomographic image of right side of the jaw.

Figure 4

Computed tomographic image of left side of the jaw.

Figure 5

Low-power photomicrograph showing highly vascular fibrous stroma at places showing loose bundles. Many multinucleate giant cells are scattered on the stroma. Vascular spaces are thin walled and dilated (HandE, ×40).

Figure 6

Higher magnification showing spindly fibrous cells. Multinucleate giant cells contain variable number of nuclei and are sparse as compared to giant cell granuloma or giant cell tumor. Osteoid formation is not present. Few lymphocytes are present in the background (H and E, ×100).