Incidental findings detected with panoramic radiography: prevalence calculated on a sample of 2017 cases treated at a major Italian trauma and cancer centre

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of incidental findings, not strictly related to dentistry, viewed with panoramic radiography. METHODS: Panoramic radiographs performed between December 2013 and June 2016 were retrospectively collected. These images were analyzed, searching for incidental findings. All the information collected was statistically analysed RESULTS: A total of 2307 Panoramic Radiograph were analyzed and 2017 of them were included in the study. 529 incidental findings were seen: 255 (48.2%) were ESP (Elongation of Styloid Process), 167 were CAC (Carotid Artery Calcification) (31.57%), 36 were maxillary sinus pathologies (6.8%) and 71 were other incidental findings (13.42%). The total prevalence of IF was 26, 23%., CAC was 8.28% in the total population, and it was higher in women (9.82%) than men (6.54%). 48.5% of CAC were bilateral. When unilateral, the right side showed a higher right side prevalence. The prevalence of ESP was 12.64% in total population (men: 13.82%; women: 11.60%). 84.71% of ESP were bilateral and, when present unilaterally, no side difference was seen. 13.33% of the ESP appeared segmented. The prevalence of maxillary sinus pathologies was 1.78% (men: 2.32%; women: 1.31%). Only 8.33% of these pathologies were bilateral, and, when unilateral, they were mostly present on the right side. Between the 71 other IF (prevalence: 3.52%), sialoliths and tonsilloliths were assessed most frequently. CONCLUSION: Due to the high prevalence of incidental findings detected with panoramic radiography, dental practitioners should be aware of the various pathologic conditions seen on the panoramic radiographs.