Use of cone beam computed tomography as a critical component in the diagnosis of an infected nasopalatine duct cyst mimicking chronic apical abscess: A Case Report.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nNasopalatine duct cysts (NPDC) and other non-odontogenic lesions of the oral cavity may mimic odontogenic pathoses.\n\n\nMETHODS\nWe present a case of a 22-year-old male with a history of dental trauma and a lesion displaying the typical clinical and radiographic signs of a chronic apical abscess: a buccal sinus tract that was traced to a radiolucent area in the periapex of a maxillary central incisor. A comprehensive diagnostic process that included a cone beam computed tomographic scan and a histopathological examination of the lesion after complete enucleation led to the final diagnosis of an infected NPDC.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe adjacent tooth was vital at the one-year post-treatment follow-up, and a radiograph demonstrated complete healing of the periradicular structures.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThis case demonstrates the ability of NPDC to present clinical and radiographic signs similar to apical inflammatory lesions and the need for a meticulous diagnostic process in order to avoid unnecessary endodontic intervention. The article also discusses the differential diagnoses of non-odontogenic lesions in the premaxillary area.