[Cone beam CT radiographic diagnosis of submandibular radiopaque sialolithiasis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the radiographic features of submandibular sialiths in cone beam CT (CBCT) images. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with submandibular radiopaque sialiths were included in this study. The clinical features of gender and age and the radiographic features on CBCT, including the number, morphology, size, and location, were recorded for further statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 128 sialiths were detected from the 84 subjects; 22 subjects (26.19%) had multiple sialiths. The morphology of the sialiths was classified into five types: spot, round, spheroid, elongated, and irregular shapes. Among these types, the spheroid shape was the most frequently detected. A correlation was observed between the size of the sialiths and their location, with the large sialith located at the posterior portion of the duct. About 39.06% (50/128) of sialiths was located at the anterior portion of the duct, and 60.94% (78/128) was located at the posterior portion. The horizon- tal position of the sialith was significantly correlated with its vertical position (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The CBCT images showed important data for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan of the submandibular sialolithiasis.