Prevalence Of Soft Tissue Calcifications Research Articles

Evaluation of the Incidental Prevalence of Soft Tissue Calcifications in the Neck Region with Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Objective: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidental prevalence of heterotopic soft tissue calcifications in the neck region, on Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images, and their relationship with age and sex.
 Methods: A total of 6620 CBCT images were examined. CBCT images of 503 patients aged between 20 and 86 years were included in the study. Patients were grouped into five age groups: 20-30 (N = 132), 31-40 (N = 68), 41-50 (N = 92), 51-60 (N = 104), and 61 and above (N = 107). The images were assessed according to the presence of lymph node calcification, carotid artery calcification, thyroid cartilage, and triticeous cartilage calcification in the neck region. Descriptive statistics, crosstabs, and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. The significance level was set to 0.05
 Results: At least one calcification was detected in 372 (73.9%) patients. The difference between the prevalence of each calcification according to age groups was statistically significant. A significant relationship was found between the presence of carotid artery calcification and the sex variable (p< .05). The presence of other calcifications did not show statistically significant differences associated with sex (p> .05).
 Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant amount of soft tissue calcification in the neck region. The most common calcifications were thyroid cartilage calcifications, and the least common calcification was lymph node calcification.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the maxillofacial region

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in orofacial region and their panoramic radiographic characteristics using digital panoramic radiographs among patients reporting to a tertiary dental hospital. Methods: 1,578 digital panoramic radiographs were retrieved from the archives and scrutinized for the presence of calcifications. Soft tissue calcifications were recorded according to age, gender, site (left or right). Data were analysed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test using SPSS software and a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the total number of radiographs, calcified carotid artery (34.3%), calcified stylohyoid ligament (21%), tonsillolith (10.3%), phlebolith (17.6%), antrolith (6.3%), sialolith (5.9%), rhinolith (2.5%) and calcified lymph nodes (1.9%) were identified. The most commonly observed calcifications were calcification of carotid artery and stylohyoid ligament and the least commonly observed calcifications were rhinolith and calcified lymph node. A statistically significant association of the presence of calcifications of carotid artery and stylohyoid ligament on the left and right side was observed in females and tonsillolith on the right side in males (p-value < 0.05). Considering the gender and age group, the occurrence of antrolith among males and rhinolith among females of young-adult population, tonsillolith among the males, calcified carotid artery and stylohyoid ligament among the females of middle-aged population was found to be significant. Conclusion: Soft tissue calcifications are often encountered in dental panoramic radiographs. Our study revealed that the soft tissue calcifications in orofacial region were more common in women and were found to be increased above 40 years of age.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

Incidental findings of soft tissue radiopacities on digital panoramic radiographs: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Panoramic radiographs have the unique ability to cover maxilla, mandible, and associated structures in a single image. Hence, the soft tissue calcifications within the region covered can be identified. Aim: To assess the prevalence of incidental findings of soft tissue radiopacities on digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and Method: 2036 digital panoramic radiographs were included in the study. For convenience, each radiograph was divided into 12 segments by 3 vertical lines, and 2 horizontal lines. Calcifications were analyzed based on the anatomical location, number, shape, size, and internal structure. Results: The overall prevalence of soft tissue calcifications was 5.1%. Six types of soft tissue calcifications were identified, which included stylohyoid ligament calcification (53.3%), carotid artery calcification (24.8%), lymph node calcification (5.7%), tonsillolith (3.8%), sialolith (3.8%) and thyroid and triticious cartilage calcification (8.6%). Conclusion: There is no sufficient data in the literature, and hence more studies are needed with a wider sample size to correlate with the available data.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in panoramic radiographs of the maxillofacial region of older adults.

To investigate the presence of soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck region on panoramic radiographs of older adults. We analysed 1176 panoramic radiographs obtained between January 2013 and December 2018 from individuals of both sexes aged 60years or older, who were referred by dental specialities to the Dental Imaginology Service of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The types of soft tissue calcification evaluated were as follows: carotid artery calcification (CAC), thyroid cartilage calcifications, triticeous cartilage calcifications, sialoliths, tonsilloliths and lymph node calcifications. The presence of soft tissue calcifications was correlated with age and sex. The chi-square test with continuity correction was used for the calculation of p values and the evaluation of the proposed associations. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. At least one type of soft tissue calcification was found in 43% of the sample. The main calcifications detected were CAC, thyroid and triticeous cartilage calcifications, tonsilloliths,sialoliths, calcified lymph nodes, and phleboliths. Mean patient age was 67.47years and there was a predominance of females (62.8%) in the sample. Bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association between female sex and the presence of thyroid and triticeous cartilage calcifications and between male sex and the presence of tonsilloliths. Routine panoramic radiography permits the identification of soft tissue calcifications that may be indicators of future cardiovascular disorders, the referral to a medical service and the establishment of therapies for stroke prevention.

The Prevalence of Soft Tissue Calcifications in the Head and Neck Region Using CBCT among Egyptian Population

Background: calcifications may be physiological or pathological. Understanding about soft tissuecalcifications help to reach appropriate diagnosis and take the right decision whether treatment, referral,further investigations or do nothing.Aim: To detect the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications using (CBCT) scans in the Egyptian population.Method: Retrospective Data Analysis was performed on (417) CBCT patients’ scans collected from thedatabase available at the Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology department,Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University.Data collection of patient sex and age was made. Data was assessed for presence or absence of calcification,type of calcification, sidedness and single or multiple occurring.Results: There were (94) scans detected with calcifications within the whole sample size (417 scans).The prevalence was (22.54%). There were (141) calcifications detected in the (94) scans. The soft tissuecalcifications detected were calcified stylohyoid ligament, tonsilloliths, sialoliths, laryngeal cartilagecalcification, carotid artery calcification and only one case of ethmoidal sinolith. There were 3 cases withoutcertain final diagnosis.Conclusions: The prevalence of calcifications seen on CBCT images is not uncommon, dental practitionersshould be aware of their presence. Their detection during routine dental examination should be made toensure the broad evaluation of the patients.

Prevalencia de calcificaciones en tejidos blandos en CBCT del Servicio de Radiología Oral y Maxilofacial de la UNAB sede Viña del Mar, Chile.

Introduction: Soft tissue calcifications can indicate the presence of more serious, potentially life-threatening pathologies. Therefore, their study can lead to an early diagnosis of those conditions that have not yet become clinically apparent. Main objective: To determine the prevalence of calcifications in soft tissues of the head and neck in cone beam computed tomography images obtained from the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Service at Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB), Viña del Mar, Chile. Material and Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional, quantitative study. A total of 288 images of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were used. Images were obtained at random from the database of the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Service at UNAB, Viña Del Mar, between 2014 and 2019. Results: A prevalence of 59.72% of soft tissue calcifications was obtained. The most prevalent were: tonsilloliths and calcified stylohyoid ligament, accounting for 30.65% and 45.56%, respectively. Conclusion: A high prevalence of soft tissue calcifications was found in a population that has not been studied previously; therefore, it is important that the dentist perform a detailed analysis of the cone beam computed tomography.

Prevalence of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue calcifications in dental panoramic radiography: A retrospective study

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in digital dental panoramic radiography. Materials and Methods: Digital panoramic radiographs of 1314 dental patients who visited the Oral Radiology department from November 2017 to January 2018 were analyzed for soft tissue calcifications. Results: The most common soft tissue calcification identified were submandibular sialolith 30.43%, followed by 17.39% of phlebolith and 17.39% of calcified atherosclerotic plaques, 13.04% of, tonsillolith 8.69% of calcified stylohyoid ligament and 4.34% arteriosclerosis. Conclusion: There is low prevalence of soft tissue calcifications which increases with age, Atherosclerotic plaque occurs in male than in female. Once a soft tissue calcification is diagnosed incidentally in a routine dental radiograph it can aid in prevention of the disease. Keywords: Soft tissue calcifications, Sialolith, phlebolith, Atherosclerotic plaque, Panaromic radiography, Prevalence.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in cone beam computed tomography images in the region of head and neck

Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of calcifications in the soft tissues of the cervical-facial region using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Material and Methods: two hundred and ten CBCT exames was analyzed by 01 examiner previously trained, with fild of view (FOV) of 16 x 13 cm and voxel of 0.25 mm, in ICAT Vision software (Imaging Science International, Hatfield, PA, USA) in coronal, axial and sagittal sections. The following calcifications were evaluated: tonsiloliths, sialolites, calcification of the styloid complex, calcified carotid atheromas, calcifications in laryngeal cartilages, calcified lymph nodes and osteoma cutis. The findings were tabulated according to the total of the sample, related to the gender, age group of the individuals. Results: Calcification of the styloid complex was the most frequent in the sample studied in both genres (39.04%), followed by the presence of tonsiloliths (19.52%), and calcified lymph nodes (6,67%). Conclusion: calcifications are frequent radiographic findings in CBCT and important for the diagnosis of some possible pathologies that do not present clinical symptoms.KEYWORDSCone-beam computed tomography; Prevalence; Soft tissue calcification.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck region: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to determine their clinical importance. Soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck region were retrospectively evaluated in 1557 CBCT images obtained between 2013 and 2015. The findings were categorized as follows: tonsillolith (calcified tonsil), carotid artery calcification (CAC), sialolith (salivary stone), calcified triticeous cartilage (CTC), calcified lymph node (CLN), rhinolith, antrolith, calcification of the superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage (CSCTC), calcified stylohyoid ligaments (CSL), myositis ossifican, osteoma cutis, and intracranial calcification. A Chi-square test was performed for categorical variables. In the 1557 CBCT images, 520 (33.4%) contained had at least one soft tissue calcification in the head and neck region. Tonsilloliths (18.8%) were the most prevalent soft tissue calcification, followed by CTC (5.8%), CAC (4.3%), intracranial calcifications (3.9%), CSL (3.7%), CSCTC (2.1%), osteoma cutis (1%), sialoliths (0.7%), antroliths (0.5%), myositis ossificans (0.4%), rhinoliths, and CLN (0.2%). There was a high prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck region on CBCT images. Tonsilloliths were the most common type of calcification. CBCT imaging may aid the diagnosis and assessment of these calcifications.

Radiographic Characteristics of Soft Tissue Calcification on Digital Panoramic Images

Objective: To assess the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications and their panoramic radiographic characteristics. Material and Methods: This descriptive retrospective study evaluated 2027 panoramic radiographs. The type and location of calcifications and the age and gender of patients were evaluated by two radiologists. Data were analyzed via SPSS and the Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Kappa tests were used to compare the categorical demographic variables among the groups. The confidence interval was set to 95% and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant . Results: The prevalence of calcified stylohyoid ligament was 11.24%. This value was 3.99% for tonsillolith, 1.33% for calcified carotid plaque, 0.69% for antrolith, 0.39% for calcified lymph node, 0.29% for phleboliths, and 0.19% for sialoliths. The prevalence of these conditions had no significant association with gender or age (p=0.102). The prevalence of bilateral calcified stylohyoid ligament, tonsillolith, and a calcified carotid plaque was significantly higher (p<0.001). The most prevalent type of calcified stylohyoid ligament, according to O'Carroll’s classification, belonged to types 1, 4, 3 and 2 (p<0.001). The most commonly observed radiographic pattern was multiple, well-defined tonsilloliths (75.3%, p<0.001) . Conclusion: The prevalence of soft tissue calcifications on panoramic radiographs was relatively low in this Iranian population. The most calcifications were respectively calcified stylohyoid ligament, tonsillolith, calcified carotid plaque, antrolith, calcified lymph node, phleboliths and sialoliths . Calcified stylohyoid ligament, tonsillolith and calcified carotid plaque were more bilaterally. Thereby panoramic imaging can help in primary assessment, epidemiologic and screening evaluation of these calcifications.

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

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.

Prevalence of detected soft tissue calcifications on digital panoramic radiographs

Objectives: Some calcifications of the head and neck region may be seen on dental panoramic images due to the superimpositions and proximity of structures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications observed on digital panoramic images and the relationship of the calcifications with age and gender. Materials and Methods: Four thousand two hundred and sixty-three digital dental panoramic radiographs of the individuals aged between 6 and 89 who had visited the faculty of dentistry for different oral and dental complaints were evaluated retrospectively and detected calcifications were recorded with the age and gender information. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-squared, and independent samples t-test. Results: Two hundred and seventy calcifications (6.4%) were detected in the whole study population. Observed calcification types were tonsillolith (2.5%), carotid artery calcification (2.3%), sialolith (1%), and calcified lymph node (0.6%). The prevalence of calcifications for all types increased with age (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of calcifications seen on the dental panoramic images is relatively rare, but the detection during routine dental examinations is important in terms of the need for more detailed evaluation of the patients.

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

To determine the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans with different fields of view (FOV) and to assess its relation with the clinical relevance of the CBCT findings. One thousand CBCT scans were grouped according to FOV's size and region scanned (MX-FOV, maxilla; MD-FOV, mandible; and MM-FOV, maxilla/mandible) and evaluated for the presence of soft tissue calcifications. Laterality and length of the elongated styloid processes (ESP) were also assessed. Eight hundred and eighty-two soft tissue calcifications were detected in 626 (62.6%) patients. MM-FOV presented the highest prevalence (76.8%), followed by MD-FOV (60.6%) and MX-FOV (57.2%). ESP and tonsillolith were the most frequent calcifications. Calcifications requiring treatment or not and those in need of follow-up accounted for 6.9%, 92.7%, and 0.3% of cases, respectively. There was no association between calcifications and subjects' gender or age (p>.05). Most cases of ESP occurred bilaterally and were longer in males (p<.05). 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.

The presence of calcifications along the course of internal carotid artery in Greek and Brazilian populations: a comparative and retrospective cone beam CT data analysis

We aimed to retrospectively compare the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications (STCs) depicted incidentally along the extra- and intracranial course of the internal carotid artery (ICA) on cone beam computed tomography examinations in 2 different populations (Greeks and Brazilians). The cohort consisted of examinations of 232 Greeks and 174 Brazilians, for a total of 406 patients. The scans were evaluated for the presence of STCs along the course of the ICA, with data analyzed in each ethnic group according to gender and age criteria. In total, 355 STCs were recorded; 78 (22.0% of all STCs) and 58 (16.3%) were extracranials, and 128 (36.1%) and 91 (25.6%) were intracranials for Greeks and Brazilians, respectively. The χ(2) test indicated no statistical differences between Greeks and Brazilians in the occurrence of STCs; however, their prevalence differed between genders in those populations. The presence of lesions, both extra- and intracranially, was found to increase with age (P < .05). The odds ratios were estimated at 2.23 (95% CI, 1.81-2.74) and 3.26 (95% CI, 2.56-4.16) for extracranial and intracranial lesions, respectively, with increasing age. We found an equal distribution for both extra- and intracranial STCs among Greeks and Brazilians. The prevalence of lesions differed between genders within both populations. Aging was found to be a risk factor for STCs, as the odds ratio increased significantly.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications on digital panoramic radiographs: A retrospective study

Aims and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of visible calcifications in soft tissues of the orofacial region in digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 1615 adult male and female dental outpatients who had visited the dental college for various dental treatments were scrutinized for calcifications. Soft tissue calcifications were recorded according to gender, age, and site. Results: Patients identified with soft tissue calcifications comprised 63.41% arteriosclerosis, 45.29% calcified atherosclerotic plaques, phlebolith in 11.7%, sialolith of submandibular salivary gland in 4.3%, calcified stylomandibular and stylohyoid ligament in 4.2%, tonsillolith in 3.2% and lymph node calcification in 2.1% of the radiographs. The association of presence of calcification with age was analyzed with the Chi-square test (P<0.05). Women showed an increased prevalence of soft tissue calcifications (P<0.001). Mean age of participants with calcification and without calcification was assessed (P<0.05) using Mann-Whitney U test. Conclusion: Carotid artery calcifications were found to be high among the soft tissue calcifications and women after menopause showed an increase in the carotid artery calcifications.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in cone beam computed tomography images of the mandible

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the mandible in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. METHODS: The sample was composed by 246 CBCT scans of the mandible; 163 were acquired by the NewTom 3G® system, and 83 were acquired by the Classic i-Cat® system. When the presence of soft tissue calcification was confirmed in the mandible, the anatomical location and the type of calcification (single or multiple) were determined. Elongated styloid process and ossification of the stylohyoid ligament were excluded. Data were analyzed by using Fisher's exact test and chi-square tests. RESULTS: A total of 37 out of 246 scans showed soft tissue calcifications in the mandible (prevalence of 15%). Soft tissue calcification is predominant at posterior region of the mandible (18.9%), with no relation to gender and age. From the total of patients with soft tissue calcification, 73% were aged 35-55 year-old. There was no significant difference of diagnostic quality of the images between the CBCT systems (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of soft tissue calcifications was high in this sample using CBCT images for diagnosis in the mandibular region.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in patients with SLE and effects of alfacarcidol.

To clarify the prevalence and etiology of ectopic calcification in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially under the active vitamin D3 administrations and to reveal the risk factors of ectopic calcification. Sixty patients with SLE, excluding the patients on dialysis were studied. We examined radiographs of hands, forearms, upper and lower extremities, and pelvises of all patients to evaluate ectopic calcification. The prevalence of ectopic calcification in SLE was 40% (24 out of 60 patients), found in 6.7% (4 patients) in peripheral arteries, 33.3% (20 patients) in periarticular area and 16.7% (10 patients) in other soft tissues. The incidence of lupus nephritis and nephrotic syndrome were significantly higher (respectively: P=0. 0144 and P=0.0348) in the calcification-positive than negative group. Total protein levels (7.04+/-0.6 g/dl) of patients in the calcification-positive group were decreased significantly (P=0.0056) compared with 7.48+/-0.55 g/dl in the negative group. However, other biochemical parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. Sixty-three percent of the SLE patients with ectopic calcification received alfacarcidol, which is significantly (P=0. 0007) higher than the 19% in patients without calcification. It is suggested that the alfacarcidol therapy and lupus nephritis could increase the risk of ectopic calcification in SLE patients.