Radiopacities Outside the Jaws Flashcards
what are tonsilliths from
repeated inflammation, the tonsillar crysts enlarge and incomplete resolution of organic debris (dead bacteria and pus, epithelial cells, and food) can lead to dystrophic calcification
how do tonsilliths appear on radiographs
- cluster of small radiopacities
- on pano: single or multiple radiopaque entities superimposed over the mid portion of the ramus
- on CBCT: in the tonsils or adenoids surrounding the airway
what are the types of tonsils
- pharyngeal tonsils
- tubal
- palatine tonsils
- lingual tonsils
what is the management for tonsilliths
- small lesions: no treatment if not symptomatic. with symptomatic patients tonsilliths may be removed manually
- large lesions: require tonsillectomy
- in elderly immunocompromised patients treatment may be considered because of the risk for aspiration pneumonia
what are calcified lymph nodes caused by
- pts who have history of chronic inflammation
- can be the result of tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, metastases of thyroid cancer or associated with a patients who have been treated for lymphoma - radiation
the presence of calcification in lymph nodes implies:
either active disease or disease that has been previously treated
in calcified lymph nodes, the lymphoid tissue becomes replaced by:
calcium salts
calcified lymph nodes have a ____ shape
cauliflower
are calcified lymph nodes symptomatic
generally no
what is atherosclerosis
- calcification of the atheromatous plaque within the intima of arteries
- the lumen is narrowed -> increased risk of cerebrovascular accident
how does atherosclerosis appear on pano
- verticolinear radiopacities
- mostly seen at the carotid bifurcation (C3 and C4)
how does atherosclerosis appear on CBCT
- radiopaque circular on axial view or linear on sagittal or coronal view radiopacity located anywhere in the course of any artery
what can atherosclerosis be confused with on pano
thyroid or triticeous cartilage
where is thyroid and triticeous cartilage found
at the level of the hyoid bone or below
what is the distinguishing feature of thyroid cartilage
the border is more RO
where are rhinoliths found
within the nasal cavity
where are antroliths found
within the paranasal sinuses
what is the antrolith, its source, and describe it
- calcified mass in the sinuses, most commonly in the maxillary sinuses
- the source is usually endogenous (chronically inflamed mucosa)
- deposition of mineral salts around a central nidus (lamination)
- not attached to the sinus walls
- mostly asymptomatic however expanding mass can impinge on the mucosa producing pain, congestion and ulceration
what is the DDX for the antrolith
osteoma
describe the rhinolith
- calcified mass in the nose ( usually an exogenous foreign body)
- deposition of mineral salts around a central nidus (lamination)
- not attached to the nasal cavity walls
- mostly asymptomatic however expanding mass may impinge on the mucosa, producing pain, congestion and ulceration
what is the periphery and shape of rhinoliths and antroliths
various shapes and sizes depending on the nature of the nidus but all have well defined periphery
describe the internal structure of the rhinolith and antrolith
homogenous or heterogenous radiopacities depending on the nidus, and sometimes may have laminations
what is the treatment for rhinolith and antrolith
referral to an otolaryngologist for endonasal or sinus endoscopic surgical removal