Prevalence of Soft Tissue Calcifications in the Head and Neck Region on Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Soft tissue calcifications are pathological or physiological deposits of calcium salts within soft tissues, frequently detected as incidental findings on radiographic imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the head and neck region and to assess their association with demographic and clinical variables.

Methods: In this retrospective study, CBCT images of 430 patients aged between 10 and 81 years, obtained at our clinic, were evaluated. Only CBCT scans with a field of view (FOV) of 13×15 cm were included. CBCT images were examined in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes to determine the type, location, appearance and anatomical distribution of soft tissue calcifications. Patients were categorized by sex (male, female) and divided into two age groups based on a median split: <30 years and ≥30 years. Statistical analyses were performed, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 430 CBCT scans were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 34.54±17.35 years, with 52.8% females and 47.2% males. Soft tissue calcifications were detected in 19.8% of the patients. Tonsillolith was the most frequently observed calcification type (15.1%), followed by stylohyoid ligament ossification (2.1%). A statistically significant association was found between age group and the presence of calcifications (p=0.009), whereas no significant association was observed with sex (p=0.262).

Conclusions: Soft tissue calcifications were commonly detected on CBCT images, particularly in older individuals. Careful evaluation of CBCT scans may facilitate early recognition and accurate diagnosis of incidental calcifications.