[Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy under polarized light of a submandibular salivary gland calculus].
BACKGROUND
The salivary calculus is an ancient pathologic condition, called  sublingual stone  by Hyppocrates. It is well-defined from a anatomo-pathologic, diagnostic and topographic viewpoint, though some pathogenesis-related doubts still exist. This work aims at relating the micro-morpho-structural aspect of a salivary calculus of remarkable dimensions with the current calculogenetic hypotheses.


METHODS
A 1.1 g salivary calculus removed from the initial section of Wrthon s duct in the right-hand submandibular gland of a 42 year old male has been studied. Following the fixation in 4% buffered formalin and the inclusion in resin, it was serially sectioned in 15-20 micron slices. Some sections were coloured with toluidine blue O and acid fuchsin. The exeresis of the calculus was carried out intraorally, with marsupialization under local anesthesia. The analysis was performed using a SEM with backscattered electrons and a polarised and transmitted light microscope.


RESULTS
The investigations have outlined the presence of various organic  cores  and a concentric, stratiform architecture interrupted by radial elements.


CONCLUSIONS
The formation of this calculus may be due to mixed secondary lithiasis resulting from the formation of colloids and crystalloids.
Traini
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T
Dipartimento di Scienze Odontostomatologiche, Cattedra di Malattie Odontostomatologiche, Università degli Studi G. d Annunzio, Chieti, Italy.
Murmura
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G
Giammaria
G
G
Ciavarelli
L
L
Caputi
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S
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization; D015494:Salivary Gland Calculi / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000473:pathology*