Evaluation of Prevalence of Ectopic Calcification in Digital Panoramic Radiography in Patients Referred To Radiology Department of Bushehr Dental School During 2018

Soft tissue calcifications seen in the head and neck region are common findings sometimes detectable using panoramic radiographs. Regarding this, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of these calcifications and their relationship with age and sex in Bushehr since these calcifications could be indicative of underlying systemic disorders, In this cross-sectional study which was conducted in Bushehr in2018, a total number of 1040 panoramic radiographs were evaluated. The radiographs were obtained using a SAMSUNG digital panorex x-ray machine (RAY SCANα-SC model) and printed using an Agfa health printer (Drystar model). After the evaluation of radiopacities, such details as type, position, number, unilateral or bilateral status, and the site of involvement were recorded. A total of 130 calcifications were recorded of 1040 subjects. The prevalence of calcification was 12/5% with 95% confidence interval (9/61%-14/42%). The most prevalent calcification observed was calcified stylohyoid ligament, and the least prevalent was sialolith. In addition, a higher number of calcification was observed in males with the age of > 40 years old. The prevalence of calcification in various age groups (P<0.001) and sex (P=0.023) was significantly different. Sylohyoid ligament calcification was the most prevalent soft tissue calcifications of head and neck region, with a prevalence of 7/5%. Moreover, prevalence of calcifications of soft tissues of head and neck was revealed to be associated with age and sex. In addition, higher frequency of these calcifications was observed in males > 40 years old.