Unusual presentation of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome due to a giant mandible osteoma: case report and literature review

Osteomas are benign lesions composed of mature compact and/or cancellous bone that grow continuously. Their pathogenesis is unknown. It has been considered to be a neoplasm, a developmental or reactive osteogenic lesion resulting from muscle traction on the periosteum, or due to trauma. Herein, we report an unusual case of giant osteoma of the mandible depressing the lateral pharyngeal wall, interfering with normal respiration during the night. The uniqueness of this case is related to snoring and sleep apnoea symptoms. In fact, he presented to our Department because daytime sleepiness hindered his work, and not for the evident facial swelling. We reported our experience in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of this uncommon disease. Polysomnography, CT scan and 3-D PAS volume analysis are useful tools to study in detail the aetiology of apnoea and assess outcomes.