Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the maxillofacial region detected by cone beam CT

Abstract

There is a high prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in CBCT, and ESP and tonsilloliths are the most common types in all evaluated FOVs. While most cases do not require treatment, we emphasize the importance of detailed CBCT assessment for its diagnosis.

Calcifications in the neck region of patients with carotid artery stenosis: a computed tomography angiography study of topographic anatomy

“…In an earlier study of the location of soft tissue calcifications in the maxillofacial region, assessed on cone beam computed tomography, calcifications in the tonsils were more frequent in men than in women. 24 The results of that study are similar to those of the present study. The calcifications in the tonsils were typically situated at the level of C2;3 in both men and women, and it was, therefore, unlikely that they would be misinterpreted as CCP.…”

Brightness and contrast adjustments influence the radiographic detection of soft tissue calcification

“…In fact, panoramic radiography is not recommended for the diagnosis of soft tissue calcifications due to the inherent superimposition of structures (Missias et al, ) and the limited distinction of low‐contrast tissues. However, when it is required for other pre‐established and justified purposes, a careful interpretation of the image may lead to the detection of incidental findings such as early detection of pathological calcifications (Mansour, Romanuik, & Hutchings, ; Missias et al, ). Subsequently, the clinician can refer the patient to specialized physicians (ADA, ) and/or request specific examinations (magnetic resonance, ultrasonography (Mansour et al, ), computed tomography (Missias et al, )) that allow for better evaluation of the soft tissue calcifications.…”

“…Absolute and relative (%) frequency of soft tissue calcifications, according to original and enhanced images, considering right and left sides of the panoramic radiograph superimposition of structures(Missias et al, 2018) and the limited distinction of low-contrast tissues. However, when it is required for other pre-established and justified purposes, a careful interpretation of the image may lead to the detection of incidental findings such as early detection of pathological calcifications(Mansour, Romanuik, & Hutchings, 1991;Missias et al, 2018).…”

“…Absolute and relative (%) frequency of soft tissue calcifications, according to original and enhanced images, considering right and left sides of the panoramic radiograph superimposition of structures(Missias et al, 2018) and the limited distinction of low-contrast tissues. However, when it is required for other pre-established and justified purposes, a careful interpretation of the image may lead to the detection of incidental findings such as early detection of pathological calcifications(Mansour, Romanuik, & Hutchings, 1991;Missias et al, 2018). Subsequently, the clinician can refer the patient to specialized physicians(ADA, 2006) and/or request specific examinations (magnetic resonance, ultrasonography(Mansour et al, 1991), computed tomography(Missias et al, 2018)) that allow for better evaluation of the soft tissue calcifications.Misinterpretation of incidental findings such as pathological calcifications may have potentially dangerous effects on the patient's health and may even lead to the risk of medicolegal ramifications for the clinician(Edwards, Altalibi, & Flores-Mir, 2013).…”

“…However, when it is required for other pre-established and justified purposes, a careful interpretation of the image may lead to the detection of incidental findings such as early detection of pathological calcifications(Mansour, Romanuik, & Hutchings, 1991;Missias et al, 2018). Subsequently, the clinician can refer the patient to specialized physicians(ADA, 2006) and/or request specific examinations (magnetic resonance, ultrasonography(Mansour et al, 1991), computed tomography(Missias et al, 2018)) that allow for better evaluation of the soft tissue calcifications.Misinterpretation of incidental findings such as pathological calcifications may have potentially dangerous effects on the patient's health and may even lead to the risk of medicolegal ramifications for the clinician(Edwards, Altalibi, & Flores-Mir, 2013). For example, panoramic images have been shown to be a validated "risk indicator" of future myocardial infarctions if calcified carotid atheroma were early diagnosed(Bayer et al, 2011).…”