Nasopalatine duct cyst following Le Fort I osteotomy: A case report

Abstract

Nasopalatine duct cyst (NPDC) is the most common non-odontogenic developmental cyst arising from proliferation of embryonic epithelial remnants in the nasopalatine duct. Notably, cyst formation can occur as a result of trauma or infection in rare cases. Herein, we report a 30-year-old Japanese woman who had undergone a Le Fort I osteotomy 10 years prior and was referred to our hospital 10 years after surgery for concerns about a growing mass in the palate. Computed tomography revealed a 25 × 25 × 20 mm cystic lesion in the midline region of the anterior maxilla, continuous with the incisive canal. Under general anesthesia, the cyst was removed together with the plates and screws used during the former surgery; histopathological examination showed a squamous epithelium lining the cyst wall. Based on the clinical and histological findings, the cyst was diagnosed as NPDC following Le Fort I osteotomy. Therefore, NPDC should be suspected in patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy who present with symptoms such as hard palate, nasolabial, anterior maxillary alveolus swelling, and nasal obstruction. Additionally, patients undergoing maxillary orthognathic surgery should be informed about the possibility of postoperative NPDC occurrence.