CAROTID ARTERY CALCIFICATIONS DETECTED BY CBCT IN PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF HYPERTENSION

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> One of the most common sites for the formation of vascular calcifications is in the branches of the common carotid artery. More frequently, these are formed by the calcification of existing plaques along the vascular wall. Numerous studies utilizing other modalities have revealed a positive correlation between vascular calcifications and hypertension; however, there is a need for investigation of the incidence of these pathologies using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology and for exploring the factors that influence their presence or detection. <h3>Objective(s)</h3> The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients who have a positive history of hypertension and a positive finding of carotid artery calcification (CAC) and to determine if there are factors that predispose certain groups of patients to carotid artery calcifications, including patient age, gender, and history of antihypertensive medication use. <h3>Study Design</h3> This retrospective study focused on 608 randomly selected patients who received dental CBCT imaging studies at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. Relevant patient demographic characteristics and medical history were extrapolated from the patients' electronic health records. The data were analyzed for statistical significance using Pearson's correlation and logistic regression. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 608 patient records (mean age = 62.6 years) with equal gender distribution were screened. Of these, 108 (17.76%) cases showed an incidence of CAC. 240 records indicated a positive history of hypertension (HTN), and 87 patient records (36.25%) showed a positive history of HTN and presence of carotid calcification. A strong male predilection (2:1) was observed for the concurrent positive history of HTN and presence of CAC. The mean age for the presence of a CAC in patients with and without HTN were 71.5 and 71.8, respectively. <h3>Discussion/Conclusions</h3> Our findings suggest a significant correlation between history of hypertension and the presence of CAC, with a strong predilection for men. No significant correlation was observed between antihypertensive medications and CAC.