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

Objectives: To investigate the presence of soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck region on panoramic radiographs of older adults.

Methods: We analysed 1176 panoramic radiographs obtained between January 2013 and December 2018 from individuals of both sexes aged 60 years 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.

Results: 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 67.47 years 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.

Conclusion: 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.