Retro-odontoid pseudotumors usually detected in CBCT scan among aged individuals with osteoarthritis: Study

They calculated the prevalence of unsuspected retro-odontoid pseudotumor (ROP) as detected in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations. Additionally, we examined patient age, sex, and presence and severity of cervical osteoarthritis (OA) as potential risk factors for retro-odontoid pseudotumor. They retrospectively analyzed de-identified CBCT scans of 455 patients from the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Identification of likely retro-odontoid pseudotumor was completed through a likelihood scoring scale (1–4) due to the lack of magnetic resonance images. Severity of cervical osteoarthritis was determined using 5 osteoarthritic features. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to link potential risk factors to retro-odontoid pseudotumor.

Results: In total, 18 patients (3.9%) were classified with probable (11 patients [2.4%]) or definite (7 patients [1.5%]) likely retro-odontoid pseudotumor. Older age and the presence and severity of osteoarthritis were significantly associated with higher retro-odontoid pseudotumor scores (P < .001). There was no significant association of retro-odontoid pseudotumor likelihood and patient sex (P = .637). An increase of 1 year of age increased the chance of a patient having a higher retro-odontoid pseudotumor likelihood score (P < .001). The age-adjusted chance of having a more severe retro-odontoid pseudotumor increased with moderate to severe osteoarthritis (P ≤ .017). Prevalence of likely retro-odontoid pseudotumor increases with age and osteoarthritis but is not associated with sex. Individuals with moderate or severe osteoarthritis are more likely to have retro-odontoid pseudotumor.

Reference:

Fryc GA, Godoy LDC, Kuo CL, Lurie AG. Prevalence of likely retro-odontoid pseudotumor in patients receiving dental CBCT examinations. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2024 Mar;137(3):301-309. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.11.005. Epub 2023 Nov 27. PMID: 38161086.