Abnormal widening of the mandibular canal –A characteristic and valuable imaging phenomenon

Abnormal widening of the mandibular canal (MC) is rarely observed on radiography. Nonetheless, as most of the current research on abnormal mandibular widening is limited to case reports and MCs have relatively deep and hidden positions, there are challenges in diagnosing and formulating treatment plans for patients with abnormal MC widening. To provide ideas for the differential diagnosis and treatment choices of the characteristic clinical sign, this study included patients with abnormal widening of the MC between July 2014 and October 2023. The patient's medical records were reviewed, general information, disease details and radiographic features (panoramic reconstructive computed tomography) of MC widening were collected. Patients were followed up to assess treatment outcomes. In conclusion, the abnormal widening of the MC often implies a pathological state of the mandible. And different morphologies of the widened MC are helpful for differential diagnosis of protential mandibular disease.