Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy under polarized light of a submandibular gland salivary calculus

Background. The salivary calculus is an ancient pathologic condition, called "sublingual stone" by Hyppocrates. It is well-def"tned from a anatomo-pathologic, diagnostic and topographic viewpoint, though some pathogenesis- related doubts stili 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 ofWrthon's duct in the right-hand submandibular gland of a 42 year old male has been studied. Following the itxation 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 carri ed out intraorally, with marsupialization under local anesthesia. The analysis was performed using a SEM with backscattered electrons and a polarised and transmitted light microscope. Resuts. The investigations have outlined the presence ofvarious organic "cores" and a concentric, stratiform architecture interrupted by radiai elements.