Imaging Sci Dent.  2017 Dec;47(4):275-279. 10.5624/isd.2017.47.4.275.

Rare finding of Eustachian tube calcifications with cone-beam computed tomography

• Syed AZ
• Hawkins A
• Alluri LS
• Jadallah B
• Shahid K
• Landers M
• Assaf HM

• KMID: 2397843
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2017.47.4.275

Abstract

Soft tissue calcification is a pathological condition in which calcium and phosphate salts are deposited in the soft tissue organic matrix. This study presents an unusual calcification noted in the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. A 67-year-old woman presented for dental treatment, specifically for implant placement, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed. The CBCT scan was reviewed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist and revealed incidental findings of 2 distinct calcifications in the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. To the authors' knowledge, no previous study has reported the diagnosis of Eustachian tube calcification using CBCT. This report describes an uncommon variant of Eustachian tube calcification, which has a significant didactic value because such cases are seldom illustrated either in textbooks or in the literature. This case once again underscores the importance of having CBCT scans evaluated by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist.

Keyword

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Eustachian Tube; Calcinosis; Diagnostic X-Ray Radiology

MeSH Terms

Aged
Calcinosis
Calcium
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography*
Diagnosis
Eustachian Tube*
Female
Humans
Incidental Findings
Radiography
Salts
Calcium
Salts

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Coronal cone-beam computed tomography image reveals bilateral calcifications (circles) of the cartilaginous Eustachian tube.

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  Fig. 2 Axial cone-beam computed tomography image depicts the bilateral calcifications (circles) of the cartilaginous Eustachian tube.

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  Fig. 3 Sagittal cone-beam computed tomography image depicts the bilateral calcifications (circles) of the cartilaginous Eustachian tube.

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  Fig. 4 Volume rendering demonstrates the Eustachian tube calcifications (circle).

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  Fig. 5 Midsagittal section of a cadaver showing the nasopharynx region and antoamical landmarks surrounding the Eustachian tube. 1. Tensor veli palatini muscle insertion on the soft palate. 2. Opening of the Eustachian tube. 3. Torus tubarius.

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