Cone Beam Computed Tomograpphy Study of Intra-Sinus Calcifications
Introduction: The intra-sinus calcifications are quite rare clinical entities and may be responsible for some sinus pathologies. The purpose of our work is to describe the intra-sinus calcifications, to identify their features and also the various sinus lesions in relation. Material and methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, we reviewed radiological images obtained from cone beam acquisitions at a dental radiology center. The following variables were evaluated: the number, the shape, the location, the dimension, the nature and the localization of intra-sinus calcifications. Results: 300 cone beam images were examined. 3% of cases of intra-sinus calcifications were found. The prevalence is as follows: Women accounted for 77.8% of the sample compared to 22.2% of men. A single calcification was found in 22.2% of cases, two calcifications in 44.4% of cases, and more than two calcifications in 33.4% of cases. The calcifications are located at the peripheral level in 88.9% of cases and at the central level in 11.1% of cases. The survey revealed that 35.7% of the calcifications are measuring less than 1 mm. 14.3% between 1 and 2 mm, 21.4% between 2 and 5 mm and 28.6% greater than 5 mm. The shape of calcifications is round in 21.4%, nodular in 42.9%; linear in 7.1%, and punctate in 28.6% of cases. The calcifications are in a single sinus in 66.7% of cases and bilaterally in 33.3% of cases. The intra-sinus calcifications are idiopathic in 77.8% of cases. On the other hand, they are linked to dental paste overflow in 11.1% of cases and to a residual root in 11.1% of cases. Discussion and conclusion: The intra-sinus calcifications show great variability. The cone beam is highly beneficial in finding incidental radiological images and the diagnosis of intra-sinus calcifications.
