The use of localised CBCT to image inflammatory collateral cysts: a retrospective case series demonstrating clinical and radiographic features

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory collateral cysts are uncommon cysts primarily affecting first permanent molars during their eruption. There are diagnostic challenges that can be overcome with CBCT imaging. However, given the paediatric age group for this condition, there are patient cooperation and radiation dose factors to consider when justifying the scan. The aim of this case series study is to illustrate the value of CBCT in imaging and diagnosing inflammatory collateral cysts in paediatric patients, to highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach for this uncommon pathological condition and to review the relevant literature. CASE SERIES DESCRIPTION AND RESULTS: We present three patients aged between 6 and 11 years of age with inflammatory collateral cysts affecting their first or second permanent molars for which CBCT imaging was utilised. All patients underwent cyst enucleation with preservation or extraction of affected teeth under general anaesthesia. DISCUSSION: Inflammatory collateral cysts are likely to be under reported given their indistinct clinical features and radiological signs. Conventional planar radiographs may not reveal this lesions size and full extent. CBCT overcomes these limitations; however, careful assessment of patient cooperation is needed and a low-dose protocol should be used. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT can provide useful imaging information which is difficult to obtain using conventional radiography, especially in cases where an inflammatory collateral cyst is suspected.