Histopathological Comparative Analysis between Syndromic and Non-Syndromic Odontogenic Keratocysts: A Retrospective Study

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the histopathological features of syndromic and non-syndromic odontogenic keratocysts (OKs) using conventional and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) with their biological behaviour. (2) Methods: Data from the medical records of 113 patients with histological diagnosis of (single and/or multiple) OKs were collected. Globally, 213 OKs (120 syndromic and 93 sporadic) were retrieved, and their histological slides were re-evaluated with conventional H&E staining and with autofluorescence on the same slides using CLSM (Nikon Eclipse E600 microscope). (3) Results: Syndromic OKs showed more satellite cysts than sporadic cases, as well as a basophilic layer in the basement membrane, which was absent in sporadic OKs; both were highlighted with CLSM. The basement membrane in syndromic OKs appeared amorphous and fragile, thus possibly being responsible for the epithelial detachment and collapse, with scalloped features. Furthermore, the basal epithelial layers in such cases also showed increased cellularity and proliferative activity. All these histological features may possibly justify their higher tendency to recur. (4) Conclusions: CLSM is useful advanced technology that could help to quickly and easily discriminate between syndromic and non-syndromic OKs and to more accurately predict their biological behaviour in order to set fitter clinico-radiological follow-ups for individual patients