An Investigation of Relationship Between Tonsillolith and Carotid Artery Calcification on Panoramic Radiography

Abstract

Aim: Carotid artery calcification can results in important vascular obstruction. It is reported that the combination of risk factors such as periodontitis, pulp stones contribute to carotid artery calcification. However in the literature, no study has yet investigated carotid artery calcification with respect to tonsillolith. The objective of this study was to investigate whether carotid artery calcification correlate with tonsillolith using dental panoramic radiography. Material and method: Panoramic radiographs were examined to detect carotid artery calcification and tonsillolith. Results: There was no correlation between the carotid artery calcification and tonsillolith. Conclusion: It can be stated that there is no relationship between carotid artery calcification and tonsillolith.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Palatine Tonsilloliths in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images: A Retrospective Study

“…Dystrophic calcifications may cause tonsilloliths despite normal serum calcium and phosphate levels. The mechanism of these calcifications is still contradictive, though they appear to result from the accumulation of material retained within the tonsillar crypts, accompanied by the growth of bacteria and fungi-sometimes related to persistent chronic purulent tonsillitis (3)(4)(5).…”

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the maxillofacial region

“…Risk of stroke in the presence of atherosclerosis of the carotid artery is 8%. Hence, active observation of the asymptomatic patients with the aid of panoramic radiographs can potentially reduce the occurrence of any life-threatening consequences such as stroke and myocardial infarction 5,10,17,24 .…”