Prevalência de calcificações e ossificações de tecidos moles da região bucomaxilofacial presentes em tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico

Abstract

Introduction: It is often possible to visualize radiopacities in soft tissue regions on imaging exams, which characterize a process called heterotopic calcification. Some of these calcifications are not harmful to the patient, but there are others that can be fatal, requiring correct management. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications and ossifications present in cone beam computed tomography contained in a database of a radiological center located in a medium-sized city in southern Brazil. Materials and Method: 1000 cone-beam computed tomography scans of individuals over 18 years of age who underwent the examination for any dental indication were analyzed, determining its prevalence and correlating with demographic data, as well as with different FOVs and areas of acquisition. Results: 357 soft tissue calcifications and ossifications were found, distributed in 169 (47.33%) tonsilloliths, 80 (22.4%) stylohyoid ligament ossifications, 56 (15.68%) laryngeal cartilage calcifications, 26 (7.28%) carotid atheromas, 5 (1.4%) sialoliths and 21 (5.88%) osteoma cutis. There was no significant association between the types of calcifications and the gender of the patients, but there was significance when associated with different age groups. When associated with the FOV and the area of incidence, there was a higher prevalence in FOV of size 14x8 in the mandible region. Conclusion: A high prevalence of soft tissue calcifications and ossifications was observed on cone-beam computed tomography, with tonsillolith being the most prevalent. It is important to have knowledge of soft tissue calcifications and ossifications, as there are some that depend on a correct differentiation and specific conduct.