Masses of developmental and genetic origin affecting the paediatric craniofacial skeleton

This article provides a comprehensive approach for the evaluation of children with masses or mass-like lesions of developmental and genetic origin affecting the craniofacial skeleton. Typical findings are illustrated and the respective roles of computed tomography (CT), cone beam CT (CBCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences and ultrasonography (US) are discussed for the pre-therapeutic assessment, complex treatment planning and post-treatment surveillance. Key imaging findings and characteristic clinical manifestations are reviewed. Pitfalls of image interpretation are addressed and how to avoid them.Teaching points• Masses of developmental and genetic origin may severely impair the craniofacial skeleton.• Although rare, these lesions have characteristic imaging features.• CT, MRI and ultrasonography play a key role in their work-up.• Recognition of pivotal imaging pearls and diagnostic pitfalls avoids interpretation errors.
Source: Insights into Imaging - Category: Radiology Source Type: research