Multidetector computed tomography imaging characteristics of asymptomatic palatine tonsilloliths: a retrospective study on 3886 examinations

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of palatine tonsilloliths and analyze their multidetector computed tomography (CT) imaging features. Study Design. The CT images of 3886 patients (1654 men, 2232 women; mean age, 35.8 years) were reviewed. The distribution, dimension, morphology, and location of each tonsillolith was assessed. The correlation between participant demographic characteristics and the characteristics (prevalence, number, size) of tonsilloliths was determined. Results. The prevalence of palatine tonsilloliths was 30.3%; we identified significant differences in the prevalence and size between men and women. The prevalence of tonsilloliths significantly increased with age (P < .001). The mean number of tonsilloliths per participant was 2.7, and 64.7% of patients had 1 to 2 tonsilloliths. Ovoid-shaped tonsilloliths were the most common (approximately 80%). The centers of the tonsillar crypts contained the majority of the tonsilloliths, 50.3% of which had sizes of 1 to 2 mm. Conclusion. The results, based on a larger sample size compared with previous studies, can be applied as guidelines for the diagnosis of tonsilloliths on CT images.