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

Abstract

Abstract 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.