Radiology · single question
All of the following lesions could be differential diagnoses for a periapical radiolucency EXCEPT:
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Correct answer: A. Periapical (radicular) abscess
A) Periapical abscess — CORRECT (NOT a differential — it IS the diagnosis).
The question asks for a differential of a periapical radiolucency in the context given. The periapical abscess itself IS one of the periapical pathologies being diagnosed. The differentials for a periapical radiolucency include: periapical granuloma, periapical cyst, periapical abscess (all pulpal origin), lateral periodontal cyst (lateral to root), giant cell lesions, etc. If the context shows a lateral/mid-root radiolucency, periapical abscess at the APEX may not be the differential.
B) Giant cell granuloma: Can mimic periapical lesion — valid differential especially in the anterior mandible.
C) Periodontal abscess: Can produce periapical-area radiolucency — valid differential.
D) Lateral periodontal cyst: Appears lateral to root — valid differential for lateral radiolucencies.
The question asks for a differential of a periapical radiolucency in the context given. The periapical abscess itself IS one of the periapical pathologies being diagnosed. The differentials for a periapical radiolucency include: periapical granuloma, periapical cyst, periapical abscess (all pulpal origin), lateral periodontal cyst (lateral to root), giant cell lesions, etc. If the context shows a lateral/mid-root radiolucency, periapical abscess at the APEX may not be the differential.
B) Giant cell granuloma: Can mimic periapical lesion — valid differential especially in the anterior mandible.
C) Periodontal abscess: Can produce periapical-area radiolucency — valid differential.
D) Lateral periodontal cyst: Appears lateral to root — valid differential for lateral radiolucencies.