DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Eustachian tube calcification as an unusual finding on a panoramic radiograph

  • Galal Omami (Division of Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine and Oral Radiology, Department of Oral Health Practice, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry)
  • Received : 2023.09.21
  • Accepted : 2023.11.27
  • Published : 2024.03.31

Abstract

The author herein presents an unusual case of eustachian tube calcification masquerading as loose radiopacities in the temporomandibular joints on a panoramic image, creating a diagnostic challenge. The patient, a 72-year-old woman, presented to the dental service for implant treatment to improve her masticatory function. A cone-beam computed tomography scan was performed and reviewed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist. The scan showed no evidence of calcifications in the temporomandibular joints; however, it revealed nodular calcifications within the cartilaginous portion of the eustachian tube bilaterally. Additionally, this report briefly reviews the differential diagnosis of calcified loose bodies in the temporomandibular joint and provides information that needs to be reinforced periodically.

Keywords

References

  1. Leuwer R. Anatomy of the Eustachian tube. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2016; 49: 1097-106.
  2. Takasaki K, Sando I, Balaban CD, Haginomori S, Ishijima K, Kitagawa M. Histopathological changes of the eustachian tube cartilage and the tensor veli palatini muscle with aging. Laryngoscope 1999; 109: 1679-83.
  3. Syed AZ, Hawkins A, Alluri LS, Jadallah B, Shahid K, Landers M, et al. Rare finding of Eustachian tube calcifications with cone-beam computed tomography. Imaging Sci Dent 2017; 47: 275-9.
  4. Buch K, Nadgir RN, Qureshi MM, Ozonoff A, Sakai O. Clinical significance of incidentally detected torus tubarius calcification. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2017; 41: 828-32.
  5. Morshedi MM, Mafee MF. Calcification of the cartilaginous Eustachian tube. Neuroradiology 2012; 54: 525-7.
  6. White SC, Pharoah M. Oral radiology: principles and interpretation. 7th ed. St Louis: Mosby; 2014. p. 513-5.