Cavidad de Stafne de localización inusual en el sector anterior mandibular / A Stafne's cavity with unusual location in the mandibular anterior area

La típica cavidad de Stafne, localizada en el sector posterior de la mandíbula, es una entidad relativamente poco frecuente, pero cuando el defecto se sitúa en la región anterior mandibular, es bastante raro, habiéndose descrito hasta ahora sólo 36 casos en la literatura científica. La mayoría de estos defectos aparecen entre la quinta y la sexta décadas de la vida, están localizados en el área de caninos y premolares, y muestran también una predilección por el sexo masculino. El canal dentario inferior, uno de los hitos anatomo-radiológicos principales que ayudan al diagnóstico de la cavidad de Stafne en la zona posterior, raramente está presente anteriormente al agujero mentoniano. Por ello, por su apariencia radiográfica más variable que en el defecto posterior, por soler encontrarse superpuesta a los ápices de los dientes, y por la rareza de presentación en el sector anterior mandibular, es mucho más difícil establecer un diagnóstico definitivo de cavidad de Stafne en esta localización, y por tanto es más fácil que pueda haber un error en el diagnóstico, sobre todo inicialmente. Presentamos un nuevo caso, en un varón de 68 años, en el que el diagnóstico fue fortuito, y revisamos especialmente sus aspectos etiopatogénicos, clínicos, y de diagnóstico diferencial

The typical Stafne’s cavity, located on the posterior portion of the mandible, is a relatively uncommon entity. However, when the defect is located in the anterior region of the mandible, it is quite rare, having thus far been described in only 36 cases in the scientific literature. Most of these defects appear in the fifth and sixth decades of life, are localized to the area of the canines and premolars, and have a predilection for males. The inferior dental canal, one of the anatomical-radiographic landmarks that aid in the diagnosis of Stafne’s cavity in the posterior region, is rarely present anterior the mental foramen. For this reason, because of its more variable radiographic appearance compared to the posterior defect, its tendency to be superimposed over the apices of the teeth, and the rarity of its localisation to the anterior mandible, it is much more difficult to establish a definitive diagnosis of a Stafne’s cavity in this location. It is therefore more likely that a diagnostic error can occur, especially early on. We present a new case in a 68-year-old male in which the diagnosis was serendipitous, and we review in particular the aetiology and pathogenesis, clinical aspects, and differential diagnoses for this condition

A Stafne's cavity with unusual location in the mandibular anterior area.

The typical Stafne's cavity, located on the posterior portion of the mandible, is a relatively uncommon entity. However, when the defect is located in the anterior region of the mandible, it is quite rare, having thus far been described in only 36 cases in the scientific literature. Most of these defects appear in the fifth and sixth decades of life, are localized to the area of the canines and premolars, and have a predilection for males. The inferior dental canal, one of the anatomical-radiographic landmarks that aid in the diagnosis of Stafne's cavity in the posterior region, is rarely present anterior the mental foramen. For this reason, because of its more variable radiographic appearance compared to the posterior defect, its tendency to be superimposed over the apices of the teeth, and the rarity of its localisation to the anterior mandible, it is much more difficult to establish a definitive diagnosis of a Stafne's cavity in this location. It is therefore more likely that a diagnostic error can occur, especially early on. We present a new case in a 68-year-old male in which the diagnosis was serendipitous, and we review in particular the aetiology and pathogenesis, clinical aspects, and differential diagnoses for this condition.