Comparative analysis of three common imaging modalities for nasolabial cysts

J Int Med Res. 2023 Jan;51(1):3000605221147201. doi: 10.1177/03000605221147201.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the clinical diagnostic value of ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for nasolabial cysts.

Methods: The clinical and imaging data of 20 patients with 21 nasolabial cysts confirmed surgically and histopathologically were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: The largest cyst was 3.4 × 2.7 × 2.3 cm, and the smallest cyst was 1.1 × 0.7 × 0.5 cm. All cysts were located in the soft tissue between the nasolabial fold and maxillary bone. USG showed sensitivity of 95%, accuracy of 95%, and a missed diagnosis rate of 5%; CT showed sensitivity of 80%, accuracy of 80%, and a missed diagnosis rate of 20%; and MRI showed sensitivity of 85%, accuracy of 85%, and a missed diagnosis rate of 15%.

Conclusions: USG showed higher sensitivity and accuracy and a lower missed diagnosis rate than CT and MRI. Therefore, USG is worth popularizing on a large scale for the diagnosis of nasolabial cysts.

Keywords: Nasolabial cyst; accuracy; computed tomography; diagnosis; magnetic resonance imaging; sensitivity; ultrasonography.

MeSH terms

  • Cysts* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cysts* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Musculoskeletal Abnormalities*
  • Nose Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Nose Diseases* / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography