Reasons for Requesting Ultrasonography: A Retrospective Study

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate (i) the reasons for requesting ultrasonography (USG) in a dentistry faculty and (ii) the scanning regions, the type of probe used, and the use of Doppler USG. Methods: USG request forms of patients who applied to our radiology clinic for USG were analyzed retrospectively. According to the clinical information of the patients in the request forms, the reasons for requesting USG were divided into four groups: soft tissue swelling, soft tissue calcification, lymph node, and other examinations. Data were statistically compared between sex (female and male) and age groups (<= 40-years-old and >40-years-old). Results: The USG request forms of 50 patients were obtained. The mean patient age was 45.06 +/- 14.50 years. Twenty-six patients were female (52%), while twenty-four patients were male (48%). Soft tissue swelling, soft tissue calcification, lymph node, and other examinations were noted as the reasons for requesting USG in 42%, 26%, 18%, and 14% of the patients, respectively. The most scanned regions were the submandibular (56%), parotid (16%), and cheek (10%) regions. Extraoral probe was used more frequently than intraoral probe (78% vs. 22%). Doppler USG was used in most patients (98%). A statistically significant difference was found between age groups and calcification examination (p<0.05). Conclusion: The reasons for requesting USG were mostly soft tissue swelling, soft tissue calcification, and lymph node examinations. The most commonly scanned region and used type of probe were the submandibular region and extraoral probe, respectively. Doppler USG was used in most patients.