Prevalence of carotid artery calcifications detected on panoramic radiographs and confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography: Their relationship with systemic conditions.
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Date
2015-07
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Abstract
Context: Atherosclerosis affects large and medium caliber arteries by forming calcific atheromas,
precursors of cerebral vascular disease. Diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hypertension are
considered as risk factors of atherosclerosis. Panoramic radiographs can display images suggestive
of carotid artery calcifications (CACs).
Aims: To investigate the prevalence of images suggestive of CAC in panoramic radiographs
of the jaws (PRJs) and confirm them by Doppler ultrasonography. To evaluate their anatomic
locations and relationships between systemic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and obesity)
and the presence of unilateral or bilateral CAC detected on PRJ or by Doppler ultrasonography.
Materials and Methods: Of the 723 routinely performed PRJ in patients over 40 years at the
Radiology Center in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, 21 PRJ containing images suggestive of CAC
were selected in this cross‑sectional study. The findings from the PRJ were confirmed by Doppler
sonography.
Results: Images suggestive of CAC was detected in 21 (2.9%) of the PRJ evaluated, consisting of
11 (52.4%) hypertensive, 7 (33.3%) diabetics, and 9 (42.9%) obese. There was a higher prevalence
of hypertensive patients in the unilateral CAC group (100%) and bilateral CAC (60%) compared
to patients without CAC (25%).
Conclusions: CACs can be detected in PRJs, and are more frequent in common carotid arteries.
No significant associations were detected between the presence of unilateral or bilateral CAC
in PRJ and hypertension, diabetes, or obesity.
Description
Keywords
Atherosclerosis, carotid artery diseases, panoramic radiography, ultrasonography
Citation
Abreu Thalita Queiroz, Ferreira Elza Bernardes, Filho Sebastião Barreto de Brito, de Sales Kelston Paulo Felice, Lopes Fernanda Ferreira, de Oliveira Ana Emília Figueiredo. Prevalence of carotid artery calcifications detected on panoramic radiographs and confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography: Their relationship with systemic conditions. Indian Journal of Dental Research. 2015 July-Aug; 26(4): 345-350.