Summary
Sialolithiasis, is a pathology affecting the salivary glands. It consists of the formation of sialoliths that presents diverse quantity, shape and size. It may be asymptomatic or present with specific symptoms that lead to a presumptive diagnosis that must be confirmed by different imaging methods. The submandibular gland, due to its anatomical characteristics, is the most prone to the formation of salivary calculi, these being the largest that develop in all salivary glands. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the specificity and efficacy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis of salivary stones. Two cases with a presumptive diagnosis of sialolithiasis were analyzed. The panoramic technique and CBCT were performed. The images obtained were analyzed with the tools of the Romexis 6.4.4.7 R software and the Eagle PS 1.0.0.12 software to confirm and characterize the presence of sialoliths. To analyze the degree of mineralization of the salivary stones, the density was determined through measurements with Hounsfield units and a pseudocolor algorithm was applied. The CBCT provided an unequivocal image that confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of sialolithiasis. The tomographic sections obtained allowed to determine the location, quantity, shape, size and mineralization of the sialolith. The presence of salivary stones represents a relatively frequent salivary gland pathology and there are various imaging techniques that allow a highly accurate diagnosis. High-resolution methods are considered to be the most precise imaging procedures and CBCT proved to be the gold standard for the diagnosis and study of sialoliths, providing the specialist in oral-maxillofacial surgery with essential information to plan and program the most appropriate, effective and least invasive surgical approach, avoiding intra- and post-surgical complications.
KEY WORDS: submandibular gland, sialolithiasis, cone beam computed tomography.
How to cite this article
FERNÁNDEZ-CALDERÓN, J.E.; OVIEDO, M.D.L.A. & SAMBRIZZI-VICENZOTTI, M.A. Cone beam Computed Tomography accuracy in the evaluation of salivary calculi. Presentation of two cases. Int. J. Odontostomat., 18(3):351-359, 2024.
