Analysis of Palatine and Adenoid Calcification in a Sample of the Lebanese Population Using Cone‑Beam Computed Tomography Technology

Objectives Tonsilloliths and adenoid calcifications are usually an incidental finding in radiologic studies. Several studies were done to evaluate the presence of tonsillar calcifications using different radiological techniques that include panoramic radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). These percentages varied in different populations and changed with the technique used. A CBCT is used to allow the visualization of the calcifications to make a better diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Lebanon to study tonsillar and adenoid calcifications using CBCT. This study aims to assess the epidemiology and the demographic criteria of tonsilloliths and adenoid calcifications in a sample of the Lebanese population using the CBCT. Methods In this retrospective study, CBCT images of 125 patients attending a private clinic in Jbeil, Lebanon from May 2016 to July 2019 were selected. Images were evaluated by a maxillofacial radiologist. Adenoid and palatine calcifications were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 21 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA). The level of statistical significance was established at a p-value < 0.05. Results A total of 21 patients (17.35%) had palatine calcifications and two patients (1.65%) had adenoid calcifications. From those with tonsilloliths, 12 female patients (16.43%) and nine male patients (18.75%) had palatine calcifications. Moreover, one male (2.08%) and one female (1.36%) had adenoid calcifications. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of calcifications with respect to gender. There was a non-statistically significant difference in the mean age of the patients with respect to the distribution of palatine and adenoid calcifications. The pattern of palatine calcifications showed a statistically significant difference in various age groups. Palatine calcifications distribution, with respect to the side, were statistically significant. Conclusion The prevalence of tonsilloliths in our sample was found to be 17.35%. The high prevalence detected was due to the technique used, the CBCT, which ensured a more detailed examination. The distribution was not affected by gender and age. However, multiple patterns of calcification were identified in younger age groups as opposed to other studies. Moreover, adenoid calcifications were present in 1.65% of the sample.