Phleboliths Radiographic Features in Plain Radiographs: Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Introduction: Phleboliths are calcified thrombi that may originate from an injury to a vessel wall or stagnation of peripheral blood flow. They are not usually observed in maxillofacial areas and are often associated with vascular malformations. Plain radiographs, such as panoramic radiograph, can be a useful tool to detect phleboliths.Case report: In this report, we describe three cases of phleboliths, found in routine radiographs, emphasizing radiographic features in conventional imaging. When evaluating multiple radiopaque structures randomly distributed in plain radiographs, dental practitioners should consider the presence of a phlebolith, particularly when laminations can be observed. Plain radiographs have an important role in detecting phleboliths, however, patients should be referred to other more accurate imaging exams.