Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to describe the characteristics of salivary calculi
and their relationship to epidemiological factors, through a cross-sectional study.
We analysed 100 calculi obtained in 2017–2021. Patient data including age, time since
onset of symptoms, gland involved, and site of location in the salivary system were
studied. The calculi were studied to determine their morphological features using
scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive plain radiographic analysis. Most
of the calculi had formed in the submandibular gland (SG) (82%). The mean age of patients
at onset was 45.83 years; patients presenting parotid gland (PG) stones were somewhat
older (p = 0.031). The mean time since the onset of symptoms was longer in PG calculi
(p = 0.038). The most common lithiasis site was the main duct (74%), followed by the
hilum (22%). Hilar stones were the largest (p < 0.05) and heaviest (p = 0.028). Octacalcium
phosphate (OCP) was the most common crystalline phase (Cp) founded, followed by hydroxyapatite
(HA) and whitlockite (WH). Specifically, OCP had a higher presence in PG calculi (p = 0.029)
and WH was the most common phase in SG calculi (p = 0.017). The most prevalent site
of lithiasis was the main duct, and the largest and heaviest calculi were found in
the SG. PG stones were associated with a longer history of symptoms and older age.
OCP was the most frequent Cp of the calculi studied, and the main Cp in PG stones.
WH was the predominant Cp in SG stones. The Cp of the calculi was not influenced by
location, patient age, or time of symptoms.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 22, 2022
Accepted:
August 17,
2022
Received in revised form:
June 10,
2022
Received:
April 4,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
