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Changes in tonsillolith characteristics detected in a follow-up CT study
Kouhei Yamashita1, Masafumi Oda1, Tatsurou Tanaka1
1Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Kyushu Dental University, 2-6-1 Manazuru, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, 803-8580, Japan.
BMC Oral Health
|February 17, 2021
Summary
Tonsilloliths exhibit dynamic changes in size, position, and calcification over time, with many increasing in size or moving towards the respiratory tract. These findings suggest tonsilloliths may actively function to remove foreign matter from the body.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- Head and Neck Pathology
Background:
- Tonsilloliths are clinically associated with halitosis and tonsillar abscess.
- The longitudinal behavior and characteristics of tonsilloliths over time are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the temporal changes in tonsillolith characteristics using serial computed tomography (CT) examinations.
- To understand the dynamics of tonsilloliths in relation to their size, position, and calcification.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 326 CT scan pairs from patients with palatine tonsils.
- Inclusion of initial and at least two follow-up CT examinations.
- Assessment of tonsilloliths in patients with various oral and maxillofacial conditions.
Main Results:
- 12.1% of tonsilloliths disappeared, while 26.1% changed size (mostly increasing).
- 37.3% of tonsilloliths altered position, with 92% moving towards the respiratory tract.
- Significant dynamic changes in calcification (HU values) were observed in most tonsilloliths.
Conclusions:
- Tonsillolith calcification levels fluctuate dynamically, indicating an active process.
- A tendency for tonsillolith excretion from the body was noted.
- The observed dynamics suggest tonsilloliths may function in removing foreign material.
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