Radiographically Detectable Dystrophic Calcinosis of the Cheek: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Dystrophic calcinosis is a condition wherein calcium is deposited in degenerated tissues, often associated with trauma, infection, or inflammation, in the absence of a systemic mineral imbalance. It commonly occurs in cardiac and skeletal muscles; rarely in oral and perioral region. We report a unique case of a 25-year-old healthy male, with dystrophic calcinosis in the subcutaneous tissues of the cheek overlying the right body of the mandible, with history of infection in that region. CT and CBCT examination revealed multiple irregular to curvi-linear shaped radiodense calcified structures, discrete from the mandibular buccal cortex. The calcified structures were surgically removed via extra oral approach without complications. Although soft tissues of the cheek do not frequently contain lesions that include calcifications, dystrophic calcinosis must be considered among the differentials for calcified masses in the oral region, particularly when infection is present. Its preoperative diagnosis poses a challenge in view of differential diagnosis.

Keywords

• calcification
• cone beam computed tomography
• pathological
• radiodensities