CHOLESTROL CLEFT

 Cholesterol crystals are present sometimes in the cystic lumen

and give it glistening appearance to the cystic contents. They
have rhomboid shaped with one end cut off. These cholesterol
crystals are derived from –
I. Cell membranes of disintegrating RBC’s
II. Circulating plasma lipids
 Cholesterol is a lipid and soluble in fat solvents.
 If a section of cyst is prepared by embedding in the paraffin as a
layer is removed during the process by xylol, the cholesterol is
also dissolved.
 As a result, the spaces occupied by the crystals appear as clefts,
as needle like spaces in the connective tissue.
 Cholesterol clefts can be seen in any infected cells but
particularly seen in radicular cyst.

DEPARTMENT OF ORAL PATHOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY

COLLEGE OF DENTAL SCIENCES, DAVANAGERE