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

Objective: 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.