Prevalence and Radiographic Features of Head and Neck Soft Tissue Calcifications on Digital Panoramic Radiographs: A...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Dentistry
• Head and Neck Imaging

Background:

• Incidental head and neck soft tissue calcifications (STCs) are frequently observed on panoramic images.
• Understanding their prevalence and radiographic features is crucial for clinical significance assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and radiographic characteristics of incidental STCs on panoramic radiographs.
• To assess the clinical significance of these calcifications in a dental patient population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 9,553 digital panoramic radiographs (DPRs).
• Evaluation for presence, type, side, and number of STCs, recorded by age and gender.
• Statistical analysis using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.

Main Results:

• 35.8% of DPRs exhibited STCs, including ossified stylohyoid complex (10.3%) and thyroid cartilage (9.8%).
• STCs were more prevalent in middle-aged patients and females.
• Significant associations found between carotid artery calcification, calcified superior horn of thyroid cartilage, and calcified triticeous cartilage.

Conclusions:

• Panoramic radiography frequently reveals diverse STCs in the head and neck, with age and gender variations.
• Accurate STC detection aids in identifying potential underlying diseases.
• Findings support referral to multidisciplinary teams for further investigation.