The origin of phleboliths

Abstract

Phleboliths originate as thrombi in the pelvic veins and are the result of injury to the vein wall. Although in children the pelvic veins and venous plexuses may be protected by valves, these have disappeared in adult life. In 20 dissections in adult cadavers remnants of osteal valves were sometimes seen, but a functioning bicuspid valve was noted only once. These unprotected veins are subjected to large and abrupt rises in pressure during normal acts of coughing and straining. Because of this the veins are distended and damage to the intima with the formation of a protective thrombus can occur. A locally high concentration of phosphatase in the perivesical tissues would explain why these thrombi become calcified in the pelvis and why phleboliths are so rarely found elsewhere.

Panoramic Radiography — Diagnosis of Relevant Structures That Might Compromise Oral and General Health of the Patient

“…Phleboliths are calcified thrombi found within vascular channels, often in the presence of hemangiomas or vascular malformations. They may originate from injury to a vessel wall or result from stagnation of the flow of blood [83,84]. A case of intramuscular hemangioma was related by reference [85], where it was observed the large number of phleboliths of the tongue due to the long-term presence of hemangioma and stagnant blood flow.…”

Phleboliths Radiographic Features in Plain Radiographs: Report of Three Cases

“…Phleboliths are usually found in the pelvic veins 1 and can occur within the intestine, uterine and prostatic veins; notwithstanding, they are not frequent in head and neck sites 2 and rarely found in maxillofacial areas. 3,4 Phleboliths are often associated with vascular malformations, such a hemangiomas 5,6 or a venous malformation (VM).…”

An isolated phlebolith found in buccal soft tissue: a rare case report

“…Phleboliths are most commonly found in the pelvic veins, due to frequent increases in pressure damaging the intima layer and forming a thrombus. The thrombus then calcifies and becomes a phlebolith over time. Phleboliths can also occur intraorally, however, they are rarely found in isolation, without associated vascular malformations.…”