Imaging appearance of lingual root cyst

DONG Chunhua; XU Zhuodong; SONG Yuxia; GAO Xin

Abstract：Objective To discuss the imaging appearance of congenital lingual root cyst. Methods 34 cases of congenital lingual root cyst were studied retrospectively. The imaging results were compared with pathology and laryngoscope. Results All 34 cases were correctly diagnosed according to the typical imaging appearance,and were confirmed by pathology. Twenty-two ca-ses underwent MRI examination,thirteen underwent CT and thirteen with US examination, showing a cystic lesion at the root of tongue,lingual surface of epiglottis,junctional zone of root and body of the tongue,or the epiglottis clearance,six cases with nar-rowing of the cavum pharyngis. The lesions were shown homogeneous hypo-intence on T1-weighted image and hyper-intence on T2-weighted image,and homogeneous hypo-density on CT image. Only one case demonstrated slight enhancement sign of local cystic wall on contrast enhancement MRI. On ultrasonographic,the lesions were shown as cystic fluid dark space with posterior shado-wing. The laryngoscope displayed the epiglottis was oppressed and softened by lingual root cyst, which caused poor ventilation. Conclusion Imaging appearance can display the features, positions, relationship with surrounding tissue of congenital lingual root cyst. Ultrasonography is the feasible and first choice,while MRI should be the best methods.