Raffaele  Vinci,Bruna  Sinjari,Imena  Rexepi,Giammaria  D’Addazio,Manlio  Santilli,Massimiliano  Di Giosia,Sergio  Caputi ,Tonino  Traini,
SEM-EDX Analysis of a Submandibular Gland Salivary Calculus: A Case Report
Surgical Case Reports
2021
2613-5965
http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.SCR.2021.01.17
https://www.sciencerepository.org/sem-edx-analysis-of-a-submandibular-gland-salivary-calculus_SCR-2021-1-117 
Abstract: Sialolithiasis or “salivary lithiasis” is a pathological condition that involves the formation of calcified
concrements within the gland parenchyma and its ductal system of the main salivary glands of the head and
neck area. Various theories of lithogenesis have been reported, but the etiology of sialoliths still remains
unclear. The aim of this case report was to evaluate the biochemical composition and the surface
morphology of a sialolith using energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). SEM images of the sialolith detected a concentric laminar architecture of the sialolith’s
core surrounded by radial structures that are arranged from the center to the periphery of the sialolith. EDX
analysis detected a high percentage of carbon in the central area of the sialolith, indicating the abundance
of organic materials. Structures corresponding to a foreign body or bacteria were not detected in any area.
Thus, the sialolith presented a mixed genesis, and the increased presence of organic substances over
inorganic ones suggests its phlogistic nature.Keywords:  Sialolithiasis, salivary stones, EDX-SEM