Calcium Concretions Research Articles

A Case Report on Giant Submandibular Sialolithiasis

Sialolithiasis is a term used to denote the formation of salivary stones / sialoliths which are calcified concretions located within the parenchyma / ductal system of salivary glands. In today’s times it is a very common salivary gland disorder leading to salivary secretion obstruction. Conservative management is the choice of treatment for small accessible stones while surgical intervention is needed for larger stones. Treatment modalities include salivary gland massage, the use of sialagogues or surgical removal of the gland.

Study of the Histomorphology of Human Pineal Gland

Introduction: Histologically, the pineal gland shows pinealocytes, glial cells, and sometimes calcific concretions. Age-related changes in these three components have been reported by various workers. However, a statistically significant difference between the two sexes has not been found. This study was conducted to find out morphological and histological changes in human pineal gland in relation to advancing age and in relation to gender. Methodology: Forty pineal glands were taken for the study. The pineal glands were fixed in 10% formol saline and processed. Slides for microanatomical study were prepared and observed under microscope. Results: The size of the pinealocytes, size of their nuclei, and number of glial cells increased with age, but it was not significant. The number of pinealocytes decreased with age (P = 0.02). The size of the calcific concretions increased with age (P = 0.02). The difference in size of pinealocytes, nuclei of the pinealocytes, and the number of pinealocytes between genders was not significant. The difference in the number of glial cells between genders was significant (P = 0.03). The difference in the number of concentric lamellated type of calcific concretions between genders was significant (P = 0.03). Conclusion: A histological study of pineal gland in human is an area of interest for anatomists, radiologists, and neurologists. This study has paved a way for us for further research using immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.

MORPHOLOGY AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF PINEAL GLAND CONCRETIONS IN VULPES LAGOPUS L., 1758 (MAMMALIA: CARNIVORA)

Mammalian pineal gland is known to often contain the calcified concretions (brain sand, corpora arenacea, acervuli, concrements), which biological significance, mineral and chemical composition are not full studied. Previous studies reported about chemistry, shape, size and structure of these biominerals from human and rodent pineal gland. The present study addresses to the morphology, mineral and chemical composition of calcified concretions in pineal gland of blue fox Vulpes lagopus L. (Mammalia: Carnivora). We used routine histological methods as well as scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive detector and Raman spectroscopy. Results suggest that the process of mineralization of pineal gland most likely is not age-associated. Our data concerning the location and mineral composition of calcium concretions in blue fox pineal gland are in agreement with those obtained by other researchers on rodent and human pineal glands. Calcified concretions were located in capsule, protruding septae and parenchyma of pineal gland. Two morphological types of concrements were distinguished including mulberry-like and irregular elongated structures. The acervuli of mulberry-like structure were presented by hydroxylapatite and calcite, and the irregular elongated aggregates were composed of only hydroxylapatite. The last one has not been previously recorded in the calcified concretions of the mammals. Present findings give the first insight into the morphology, mineral and chemical composition of calcium concrements in pineal gland of blue fox.

Giant Sialolith of Wharton’s Duct - A Case report with review of literature

Sialolithiasis is the formation of calcific concretions within the parenchyma or ductal system of the major or minor salivary glands, but it most commonly affects the submandibular salivarygland. Sialolithiasis usually occurs in adults aged 30 to 60 years and causes pathognomonicpain during meals. The treatment of sialolithiasis depends on the size and location of thecalculi. In this article we present a case report of giant sialolith in the submandibular salivary duct and review of literature of various diagnostic and treatment aspects. Key Words : Salivary stone, Calculi, submandibular sialolithiasis, sialoadenitis

Pineal Gland Morphology in Relation to Age and Season in Three Canidae Species

Abstract Introduction The aim of the present study was to determine the morphological features of the pineal gland in three closely related Canidae species (raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834; silver fox, Vulpes vulpes L., 1758; and blue fox, Vulpes lagopus L., 1758) of different ages during the breeding (spring) and nonbreeding (winter) periods. Materials and Methods Histological analysis of the pineal glands of canids was performed. Results The morphological changes in the pineal gland detected in the current study are either age-associated, including increase in the reticular fibers and vascularization in the studied species, as well as increase in the amount of the protruding septae in the blue fox, or seasonally related, including an increase in the number and size of blood vessels. The present work reported two types of pigments: lipofuscin (primarily in the silver fox) and melanin (primarily in the raccoon dog and in the blue fox). The pineal gland in the blue fox is characterized by the ability to form corpora arenacea. Conclusions The present study provides the first insight into the morphological changes of the pineal gland in three closely related Canidae species of different ages during the breeding (spring) and nonbreeding (winter) periods, and showed some species-specific features of gland morphology. The aspects concerning the biogenesis of the calcium concretions and the factors influencing the accumulation of pigments need further investigation.

Cutaneous Fistula Associated with Salivary Calculi in the Parotid Gland: Report of a Rare Case

The formation of calcific concretions in the salivary duct or glands is a common disorder, but parotid calculi represent only a small proportion of all salivary calculi. This case describes a rare coexistence of a cutaneous fistula with salivary stones located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland that was removed under local anesthesia. This patient provides illustration of the difficulty there may be in establishing the diagnosis of parotid calculus. We believe that the report of this rare case will help health professionals, reinforcing the importance of proper diagnosis based on clinical and imaging evaluations.

Taxonomic and Ethnical Dispersion of the Phenomenon of Pineal Concretions in the Gerontological Context

Pineal gland (PG), or epiphysis, is involved in the organization of biological rhythms and adaptive reactions of the organism through the hormone melatonin. It is shown that various factors can influence the morphology and functional activity of the gland. Calcified concretions (corpora arenacea, brain sand) are unique biomineral structures of the PG, the causes of the formation and possible functional significance of which remain unclear until now. Currently, concrements have been found in several species of birds, in many mammals as well as humans; they are absent in fish, amphibians and reptiles. In this review, we have collected the available literature data on the composition, mechanisms of formation, and the possible factors affecting the accumulation of concretions in the epiphysis. Despite the fact that the generally accepted point of view is the age-dependent nature of the accumulation of pineal calcium deposits, the available data on the PG mineralization lead to the conclusion that, most likely, there is a multifactorial mechanism for the formation of concrements. In addition, the nature and crystallinity of the inorganic tissue of the pineal concretions suggest that corpora arenacea is rather a regulated and physiological than pathological type of petrification. The existence of contradictory data on the connection between the formation of brain sand and the change in the functional activity of the PG during seasonal endocrine changes and in the process of aging makes the study of deposits as the necessary and requiring in-depth investigation.

Pinguicula zamudioana (Lentibulariaceae) a new species endemic to western Mexico

Pinguicula zamudioana (Lentibulariaceae), a new species endemic to western Mexico, is described and illustrated. This new species belongs to Pinguicula section Orcheosanthus and is morphologically close to Pinguicula oblongiloba and P. michoacana, but differs in having a homophyllous rosette with a single type of leaves (summer leaves), light green leaves with glabrous petioles, short peduncles, a calyx with triangular-lanceolate to lanceolate lobes, a pink corolla with oblong to suborbiculate lobes and the fact that it only inhabits calcium concretions. Pinguicula zamudioana is easily distinguished from the other two taxa, due to the lack of a winter rosette, i.e. isomorphic leaves during the entire year, and to the fact that it is in constant growth and blooms all year round.

A giant tonsillolith: An incidental finding

Tonsilloliths are infrequent calcified concretions that develop in tonsillar crypts within the parenchyma of the tonsils or surrounding it. They are typically single and unilateral, but rarely may be numerous or bilateral. Large tonsilloliths can mimic many conditions including abscesses or neoplasms. It is difficult to diagnose tonsilloliths unless there is a considered emphasis on thorough history taking, careful inspection, and a detailed characterization of the lesion through digital palpation. This may be further supplemented with investigations such as plain film radiography and/or 3D imaging. Here, we present a case of asymptomatic tonsillolith where the patient presented for a painful tooth in mandibular anterior region and was incidentally diagnosed as having with a large tonsillolith on right side of posterior mandible.

Prevalence and patterns of palatine and adenoid tonsilloliths in cone-beam computed tomography images of an Iranian population.

Tonsilloliths are calcified concretions that develop in tonsillar crypts. They are usually small and asymptomatic, so they are found accidentally during routine dental radiogrphy procedure. Large tonsilloliths can occur with clinical signs and symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and patterns of palatine and adenoid tonsilloliths in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. In this cross-sectional study, 0.5-mm axial and coronal slices of 134 CBCT images were evaluated to determine the presence of palatine and adenoid calcifications. Their patterns such as being unilateral or bilateral as well as single or multiple and their largest linear sizes were reported. Fifty-four (40.3%) patients with palatine tonsilloliths and 17 (12.7%) with adenoid calcifications were found. Thirty (55.6%) palatine tonsilloliths were unilateral, 19 (35.2%) were detected in the left tonsils. Approximately, 54 cases of 78 palatine calcifications were multiple. Seventeen patients had adenoid calcifications that 41.1% of them were unilateral. Fourteen adenoid calcifications were single. The mean ages of patients with palatine tonsilloliths and adenoid calcifications were 45.59 years and 46.53 years, respectively. The range of linear measurements of palatine tonsil calcifications was 0.9-4.2 mm (2.47-mm mean size) while adenoid calcifications ranged from 0.5 to 2.2 mm (0.95-mm mean size). The level of statistical significant difference was <0.05. Gender did not affect total prevalence, the pattern of tonsilar calcifications and their linear sizes. The prevalence of tonsilloliths increased with aging, but this variable did not have an effect on their linear size.

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis: A case report

* Consultant thoracic surgeon, Erbil, Iraq. ** Kurdistan board for medical specialties, Erbil, Iraq. *** Department of surgery, college of medicine, Hawler medical university, Erbil, Iraq. Introduction Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is uncommon chronic lung disease characterized by the presence of calcific concretions within the alveolar spaces. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis was first described by Friedrich in 1856 and then by Harbitz in 1918. O’Neill reported a family with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in 1967 and noted that the total number of recorded cases at that time was seventy. It occurs sporadically and the symptoms of lung disorder with restrictive pattern start in most cases in the third and fourth decades of life. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is regarded as an autosomal recessive lung disease with apparently no important gender predominance. As of 2004, 576 cases have been studied, and most have originated from Europe (42.7%) and Asia (40.6%). The major finding on chest radiograph is sand like diffuse symmetric micronodular calcification which is predominant in the middle and lower lobes with sparing of apices. We report this case because it is very rare. We aim to emphasize a high index of suspicion for this uncommon disorder to avoid misdiagnosis of miliary tuberculosis and sarcoidosis and as far as we are aware this is the first case to be reported in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq. Case presentation: 39-year-old housewife, presented with progressive shortness of breath and cough for the last 10 years. She had no history of fever or weight loss, nor history of dust inhalation or smoking. No history of similar condition in the family was noted. For the last two years, the case has been treated elsewhere as miliary tuberculosis based on chest x-ray findings, but with no clinical or radiological response. Physical examination revealed crackles at auscultation of the chest. Cardiac auscultation was normal and no cyanosis or peripheral edema was observed. Sputum examination for acid-fast bacilli was not performed and the routine laboratory findings were unremarkable including serum calcium and phosphorus. Pulmonary function test showed mild restrictive ventilator defect (mildly increased FEV1/FVC ratio). Arterial blood gas analysis showed reduction in O2saturation of 85%, and echocardiography showed no significant abnormal findings. Serial chest x-ray demonstrated diffuse bilateral dense micro nodular infiltrate predominantly at mid and lower zones with obliteration of cardiac and diaphragmatic borders (Figure 1). High-resolution computed tomography revealed diffuse minute pulmonary calcification, distributed predominantly over basal and posterior Background and objective: Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is rare disease characterized by the presence of numerous small calculi within the alveolar spaces. Case report: 39-year-old female with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is described, in which the diagnosis was suspected clinically and radiologically and confirmed histopathologically. The clinical, pathogenesis and pathology are briefly reviewed.

MP34-07 INTRAVITAL IMAGING OF THE DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER MODEL OF HUMAN NEPHROLITHIASIS

You have accessJournal of UrologyStone Disease: Basic Research II1 Apr 2015MP34-07 INTRAVITAL IMAGING OF THE DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER MODEL OF HUMAN NEPHROLITHIASIS Sohrab Naushad Ali, Dajung Kim, Thomas Tailly, Hassan Razvi, and Hon Leong Sohrab Naushad AliSohrab Naushad Ali More articles by this author , Dajung KimDajung Kim More articles by this author , Thomas TaillyThomas Tailly More articles by this author , Hassan RazviHassan Razvi More articles by this author , and Hon LeongHon Leong More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.1303AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Drosophila Melanogaster (DM), a powerful translational model for many human diseases has recently emerged as a viable model of human nephrolithiasis. We have developed a novel bone and hydroxyapatite-specific fluorescent probe, Alendronate-FITC along with its negative control, Notdronate-FITC, for imaging calcium containing stones in vitro and in vivo. We investigated the utility of these probes in studying calcium oxalate stone formation in DM malpighian tubules (MT). METHODS Wild type DM were reared in a climate controlled room, temperature 22-25° C, humidity 40% and a 12 hour light/dark cycle. They were divided into groups and fed either a standard corn meal based diet or lithogenic diets containing 0.5% (w/v) Ethylene glycol or 0.5% (w/v) Sodium Oxalate. At 3 weeks DM were sampled from each group, the MT's dissected and incubated with Alendronate-FITC, Notdronate-FITC and PBS as a control. The MT's were then imaged using a confocal microscope. RESULTS DM fed the sodium oxalate diet showed more consistent stone formation compared to DM fed the ethylene glycol diet. DM fed the standard diet and stained with Alendronate-FITC showed scattered fluorescence in the anterior MT, most likely due to staining of its natural calcium concretions (Figure 1, bottom left panel). DM fed either of the lithogenic diets showed concentrated fluorescence throughout the MT (Figure 1, top left panel), indicating the presence of calcium oxalate stones when compared to in vitro stained hydroxyapatite nanoparticles stained with Alendronate-FITC. DM fed lithogenic diets and stained with Notdronate-FITC showed weak fluorescence with no signal in the lumen of MT's (Figure 1, top right panel). CONCLUSIONS Calcium oxalate stones can successfully be imaged using bisphosphonate based fluorescent probes. The superiority of these probes over conventional imaging techniques lies in the fact that they can be used for non-invasive in vivo imaging of stone formation. DM diets containing Alendronate-FITC may be used for imaging and quantifying the effects of different therapies on stone formation. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e412-e413 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Sohrab Naushad Ali More articles by this author Dajung Kim More articles by this author Thomas Tailly More articles by this author Hassan Razvi More articles by this author Hon Leong More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Transoral Sonographic Diagnosis of Tonsilloliths

Tonsilloliths are calcified concretions that develop in tonsillar crypts. They are usually asymptomatic; however, they may cause problems such as halitosis, dysphagia, a globus sensation, and otalgia. Tonsilloliths may be diagnosed by a simple inspection or palpation of tonsillar crypts, which can be confirmed by panoramic radiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. We report 3 cases of tonsilloliths diagnosed by transoral sonography that was performed easily and comfortably in an office-based setting.

Microscopic Study on the Diameter of the Pineal Calcification of Bangladeshi Cadavers

Context: The human pineal gland is characterized by the presence of calcified concretions, called ‘pineal acervuli’ or brain sand. These are basophilic extracellular bodies. The study was carried out to describe the microscopic features of pineal calcifications and to find out age related changes. Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive type of study. Place and period of study: Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2009 to June 2010. Materials: 60 postmortem human pineal glands were collected from unclaimed dead bodies that were under examination in the morgue of Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. Methods: The samples were divided into four different age groups, i.e. Group-A (15-30 years), Group-B (31-40 years), Group-C (41-50 years) and Group-D (&gt;50 years). Histological study was carried out on relatively 27 fresh samples. Results: The mean diameter of the pineal calcifications were 351.14±111.69 ?m in group A, 600.00±232.69 ?m in group B, 909.43±124.18 ?m in group C and 1541.67±224.54 ?m in group D. The differences in diameter of the pineal calcifications between group A &amp; C, A &amp; D, B &amp; C, B &amp; D and C &amp; D were statistically significant. Conclusion: Age related changes were found in the diameter of pineal calcifications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v9i2.15220 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy 2011 Vol.9(2) pp.71-74

Sialolitíase: Revisão de Literatura e Levantamento de Casos

Introduction: The sialolithiasis are calcified structures of slow and gradual growth, that develop in the ductal system or within a salivary gland, obstructing or hindering the normal flow of saliva. Objective: Perform a systematic review of the literature about the occurrence of sialolithiasis and perform a survey of cases registered in the Oral Pathology Laboratory of the Institute of Biological Sciences ( ICB) of University of Passo Fundo/RS (UPF). Methods: To perform the literature review were used databases relevant to the subject and the data found in the epidemiologic survey , these were collected and tabulated in a spreadsheet ( Excel) and analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency. Conclusions: it can be conclude that the sialolithiasis is a common condition consisting in the formation of calcified concretions in the ductal system or within a salivary gland, being more prevalent in the duct of the submandibular gland unilaterally and in caucasian female patients. Are rarely sent for histophatology, viewed the small number of cases surveyed. The diagnostic is done by means of clinical history medical / dental well done and treatment depends on the size and location of the calculation, the presence of infection and experience of professional.

Growth patterns for acervuli in human pineal gland

Acervuli are calcified concretions in the pineal gland (PG). Particularly interesting are their incidence and size, which are believed to affect neurological disorders and many physiological functions of PG such as regulating circadian rhythm. Despite long investigations for a century, detailed growth mechanism of acervuli has yet to be studied. Here we study the growth morphology of acervuli in human PGs by a direct visualization in 3-dimension (3-D) using a synchrotron X-ray imaging method. For an entire PG, non-aggregated acervuli show Gaussian distribution in size with 47±28 µm. The 3-D volume rendered images of acervuli reveal that the bumpy surfaces developed by lamination result in the mulberry-like structure. In addition, coalescence of multiple acervuli leads to large-scale lamination on the whole aggregate. We suggest a novel hypothesis on the growth patterns of acervuli by their nucleation density (Nd): i) mulberry-like structure at low Nd, and ii) large-scale lamination on an aggregate at high Nd.

Imaging Calcific Concretions of Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis With PET

A case of 18F-FDG PET in pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis with bilateral reticulonodular opacities in the middle and lower zones on routine chest roentgenogram and calcification in the peribronchovascular interstitium,peribronchovascular and subpleural intralobular septal regions, and visceral pleura on high-resolution chest CT is presented. 18F-fluoride PET demonstrated intense tracer uptake in the lower zone of both lungs corresponding to CT findings. Minimal FDG activity in areas of dense calcification suggests minimal or no inflammation. This could account for the absence of symptoms in most cases despite remarkable imaging findings.

Giant tonsillolith - a rare cause of dysphagia.

Tonsilloliths are calcified concretions that originate within the palatal tonsil crypts. Moreover, development of these concretions into giant tonsilloliths is exceptionally uncommon. We present a 17-year-old female with a two-year history of increasing dysphagia, persistent oral cavity swelling and speech alteration. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed a large solid left tonsil with no obvious neck masses. Computer tomography demonstrated a well-defined, large calcified left tonsillar fossa mass of uncertain underlying cause. This patient subsequently underwent surgical excision for histology.

An Unusual Case of a Tonsillolith

Tonsilloliths are rare calcified concretions that develop in tonsillar crypts within the substance of the tonsil or around it. Large tonsilloliths can mimic many conditions including abscesses or neoplasms. Given the wide range of differentials, it is difficult to diagnose tonsilloliths unless there is a considered emphasis on thorough history taking, careful inspection and a detailed characterisation of the lesion through digital palpation. This may be further supplemented with investigations such as plain radiography and computer tomography. Here, we illustrate a case with risk factors of oropharyngeal cancer and a history of fish bone impaction in the throat that was initially diagnosed as a “tonsillar foreign body” which turned out eventually to be a large tonsillolith.

Unusually large sialolith of Wharton′s duct

The formation of calcific concretions in the salivary duct or glands is a common disorder, especially in the submandibular glands. Most of the salivary calculi are small in size, in contrast to those that reach several centimeters, which are reported as megaliths or giant calculi in the literature. They may occur in any of the salivary gland ducts but are most common in Wharton's duct and the submandibular gland. This report presents clinical and radiographical sign of an unusually large sialolith. There was painless swelling on the floor of the edentulous mouth and patient was unaware of it. Radiographical examination revealed large irregular radio-opaque mass superimposed on right canine and premolar areas. This case report describes a patient presenting with an unusually large submandibular gland duct sialolith, the subsequent patient management, the aetiology, diagnosis and its treatment.