Triticeous cartilage: Prevalence on panoramic radiographs and diagnostic criteria

To determine (1) the prevalence of calcified triticeous cartilage on panoramic radiographs of subjects older than 40 years of age, (2) the age and sex distribution of the subjects who have calcified triticeous cartilage, and (3) if the shape of triticeous cartilage differs from that of calcified carotid atheroma. In this retrospective study, triticeous cartilages were diagnosed from 847 panoramic radiographs. The shapes of triticeous cartilages and calcified carotid atheromas were determined using SigmaScan software. Prevalence of triticeous cartilage was 5.0% in males and 12.0% in females. The prevalence was 9.3% in the 40- to 60-year-old group (n = 464) and 7.8% in the group older than 60 years (n = 383). The triticeous cartilages were oval with smooth borders, whereas calcified carotid atheromas were mostly linear. Calcified triticeous cartilage was more prevalent in females. The prevalence was not age dependent. Shape, outline, and location of the triticeous cartilage can help in differentiating it from a carotid atheroma.