Soft Tissue Calcification in Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging: A Pictorial Review

Omami, Galal

doi:10.19070/2377-8075-1600046

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Usually, they are asymptomatic and no treatment is needed. Whereas in patients with cancer, resection of the lymph nodes is necessary to prevent further spread and recurrence ( 20 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A retrospective diagnostic study of prevalence of orofacial calcifications using panoramic radiograph: To insinuate the unseen

S.¹,

Thambi²,

Christy³

2023

J Clin Exp Dent

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Background The prevalence of calcifications in the head and neck region has long been observed and has a strong value of presaging systemic illness. The observations of such calcifications in routine panoramic radiographs (PR) demands keen follow-up and health check-up of patients. In developing countries, the use of routine panoramic radiographs is a common one owing to its cost effectiveness and feasibility. Thus, knowledge of prevalent calcifications and the ability to diagnose it while correlating with possible systemic condition is mandatory. This article is primarily about the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in head and neck region while emphasising the clinical importance. Material and Methods A total of 22,000 panoramic radiographs were included after adapting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the included radiographs were examined using Dentsply Sirona Sidexis 4 Dental imaging software in full screens. Results A total of 22,000 PRs were analyzed, of which 7,832 were male and 14,168 were female. The age range of patients included were from 6 to 88 years with a mean of 41 years ± 11.4 years standard deviation. Of the analyzed PR’s, a total of 1228 calcifications were found in 1041 (4.731%) patients which comprised of 497(6.34%%) calcifications in male and 731 calcifications in female (5.159%). From which, 16 different soft tissue calcifications were reported while stylomandibular ligament calcification being the most reported one. Conclusions Panoramic radiographs is yet an essential diagnostic tool, as a dentist our role in diagnosing systemic conditions is inevitable. A high prevalence of calcifications demands thorough examination of radiographs on routine. Early detection od calcifications ensures prevention of further progression of disease. Key words: Orofacial calcification, panoramic radiography, atherosclerosis, dystrophic calcification.

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“…Usually, they are asymptomatic and no treatment is needed. Whereas in patients with cancer, resection of the lymph nodes is necessary to prevent further spread and recurrence ( 20 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A retrospective diagnostic study of prevalence of orofacial calcifications using panoramic radiograph: To insinuate the unseen

S.¹,

Thambi²,

Christy³

2023

J Clin Exp Dent

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“…Sialolithiasis, phleboliths, rhinoliths, antroliths and laryngeal cartilage calcification are the most common types of heterotopic calcifications in the head and neck region. Stylohyoid ligament calcification, osteoma cutis, and myositis ossificans are classified as heterotopic ossifications (1,2). Soft tissue opacities are relatively common and are observed in 4% of panoramic radiographs (3).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of Soft Tissue Calcifications in Panoramic Radiographs of Patients Referred to Guilan School of Dentistry Within 1 Year and its Relationship With Systemic Diseases

Haghighat¹,

Nikbin²,

Sajedikia³

2019

Avicenna J Dent Res

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Background: Soft tissue calcifications are the deposition of calcium salts, mainly calcium phosphate, in soft tissue. They most often are detected as incidental findings during radiographic examinations. The goal is to identify them correctly to determine whether treatment is required. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in panoramic radiographs and their relationship with age, gender and underlying diseases. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, panoramic radiographs of 654 patients were examined within one year. The prevalence of soft tissue calcification, their location and certain factors such as age, sex, underlying disease were examined. Results: The prevalence of elongated stylohyoid ligament calcification, laryngeal cartilage calcification, carotid artery calcification, lymph node calcification, and sialolith were 20.2%, 9.8%, 2.4%, 1.8%, 0.6%, and 0.1%, respectively. Stylohyoid ligament and vascular calcifications were significantly correlated with cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Gender and soft tissue calcification were not significantly associated. The prevalence of tonsillolith was significantly higher in men (P = 0.0001). A significant correlation was found between soft tissue calcification and age groups, so that as age increased, the prevalence of carotid artery calcification, stylohyoid ligament calcification, and tonsillolith increased. Conclusions: The present study shows that soft tissue calcifications are not unusual findings in panoramic radiographs. They increase significantly with aging but have no significant association with gender. The prevalence of soft tissue calcification is higher in cardiovascular disease patients.

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