Elongation of the styloid processes in kidney-transplanted patients: The role of ectopic calcification as possible cause of Eagle syndrome

bjective: To investigate the relationship between the presence of ectopic
calcification in the elongation of the styloid process (SP) and its possible
clinical manifestation (Eagle syndrome) in a population of kidney-transplant
patients previously treated with hemodialysis. Methods: Digital
orthopantomography of 92 kidney-transplanted patients and 68 control subjects
were analyzed to measure the length of SPs. Calcium, phosphate, alkaline
phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) blood levels were also available for
comparison. Results: The mean length of SPs was significantly different between
groups, as were phosphate and PTH values. Discussion: Renal transplant patients
who have been treated with hemodialysis present elongated SPs, presumably due to
alterations in phosphate balance and PTH levels. Thus, in cases of orofacial pain
in patients with a history of altered bone metabolism, particularly when due to
renal insufficiency, Eagle syndrome should be suspected as the main cause of
symptoms.