Lymphangioma mimicking apical periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION

Lymphangiomas mimicking apical periodontitis, usually found in soft tissue of children and infants younger than 2 years, are extremely rare in aged patients, particularly in bone tissues.

METHODS

An 81-year-old woman was seen in a radiological service to undergo imaging studies for the placement of dental implants. A panoramic radiograph showed a radiolucent multilocular structure in the left mandibular molar region, where teeth #17 and #18 had previously been treated endodontically. A fracture in tooth #17 was detected. Because of the patient's clinical history and the characteristics of the image, which showed changes in trabecular bone structure, the patient was referred for cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for further evaluation. CBCT scans demonstrated a well-circumscribed lesion immediately below the roots of teeth #17 and #18. MRI showed no involvement of the surrounding soft tissues, and the lesion affected only the mandibular bone. Incision biopsy was performed, and the tissue sample (histopathology specimen) was sent to microscopic evaluation.

RESULTS

Microscopically, there was a proliferation of vascular endothelium covered by long and mature endothelial cells. In the vessel lumens, there was eosinophilic material similar to lymph. The microscopic examination suggested the diagnosis of lymphangioma.

CONCLUSIONS

Pathologies of non-endodontic origin such as lymphangioma, which might be in the area of the tooth apex, should be included in the differential diagnosis of apical periodontitis. Histopathologic examination is mandatory for their diagnosis and treatment.