Prevalence Of Carotid Artery Calcifications Research Articles

Carotid Artery Calcifications on Panoramic Radiographs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of carotid artery calcifications (CACs) on panoramic radiographs of Polish dental patients. Panoramic radiographs made between 2005 and 2012 in 4000 patients born between 1922 and 1958 were accessed from the server of the Department of Radiology and analyzed for the presence or absence of CACs by a group of trained dentists. The anatomical area covered by the analysis was visible in 2189 images (54.73%). Calcifications in the carotid arteries were found in 468 (21.68%) patients, including 327 (14.94%) unilaterally and 141 (6.44%) bilaterally. CACs were found in 284 (60.68%) women and 184 (39.32%) men. The prevalence rate of CACs detected on panoramic radiographs in patients aged 54 and older was 21.68%, which makes it an important clinical problem.

Assessment of the Frequency and Correlation of Carotid Artery Calcifications and Pulp Stones with Idiopathic Osteosclerosis using Digital Panoramic Radiographs

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of carotid artery calcifications (CACs) and pulp stones with idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) using digital panoramic radiographs (DPRs) to determine whether pulp stones or IO might be possible indicators of the presence of CACs.Methods: In total, DPRs of 1207 patients (645 females and 562 males) taken within 2018 were retrospectively evaluated to determine the prevalence of CACs, pulp stones and IO according to age and sex. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and Fisher’s exact chisquare test.Results: In total, 287 (23.8%) patients had at least one pulp stone, and 64 (5.3%) patients had CACs. The negative/negative (-/-) status of CACs/ pulp stones was significantly higher in the 18–29 years age group than in the 30–39, 40–49, 50–59 and ≥60 years age groups (p<0.05). It was also significantly higher in males than females (p<0.05). Sixteen (1.3%) patients had IO, which was related to right mandibular molars in all cases. Patients with CACs had a significantly higher prevalence of IO (6.3%) than those without CACs (1%) (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant association between pulp stones and the presence of IO and CACs (p>0.05).Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, pulp stones were not found to be diagnostic indicators of CACs. However, the presence of IO might be a risk factor for CACs.

Prevalence of carotid artery calcifications in Riyadh from digital panoramic radiographs and its relationship with cardiovascular disorders: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Introduction: Atherosclerosis of the external division of the carotid artery contributes to approximately 20% among all the reasons leading to stroke. The strategies for the prevention of stroke remain underutilized despite the advancements in healthcare. Dentists can contribute in the prevention of stroke by identifying patients at risk from the details revealed in radiographic imaging. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of carotid artery calcifications (CACs) detected on digital panoramic radiographs in Riyadh and its relationship with cardiovascular disorders. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh Elm University using digital panoramic radiographs. A total of 158 panoramic radiographs were analyzed with patients aged ≥18 years. The presence of CAC was determined and confirmed by an oral radiologist. Medical records were retrieved and collected from the digital data base after ethical approval. Chi-square test of independence was performed to examine the relationship between variables (age, gender, and medical problems) and the presence of calcification. Results and Discussion: From the data scrutinized, 158 panoramic radiographs were included for the study. 111 radiographs did not have any calcifications. 47 radiographs depicted the presence of soft tissue calcification, out of which 20 radiographs were of CAC and the remaining contributed to other soft tissue calcifications seen in the neck region. There was significant correlation between age and calcification, P = 0.003 with the highest prevalence in 40–69 years. Correlation between gender, CAC, and medically compromised conditions associated with cardiovascular systems was not significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of CAC in the Riyadh population was 1.12%. CAC comprised of 12.66% among all the soft tissue calcifications of the neck in this study. Patients are not aware of the underlying cardiovascular risk that CAC can pose. Dentists' diagnostic efficiency in analyzing CAC, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular events, can reduce further morbidities or mortality rates enhancing the quality of life and life span.

The Prevalence and Correlation of Carotid Artery Calcifications and Dental Pulp Stones in a Saudi Arabian Population.

Background: This study sought to determine the prevalence of carotid artery calcifications (CACs) and pulp stones detected on panoramic radiographs (PRs) and ascertain their correlation. Methods: A total of 2013 digital PRs were retrospectively retrieved and thoroughly examined to determine the prevalence of CACs and pulp stones, their correlation with patient age and gender, and the relationship between the presence of pulps stones and radiographically detectable CACs. Results: The prevalence of CACs on PRs was 2.0%; the prevalence of pulp stones was 4.6%. There was no statistical relationship between pulp stones and CACs (p = 0.714). Older patients exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of CACs than younger patients (p < 0.001); pulp stones were statistically more prevalent in younger patients than older patients (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between male and females in terms of the prevalence of either CACs or pulp stones (p = 0.087 and p = 0.278, respectively). Conclusions: Dentists should be trained to detect CACs on PRs belonging to patients older than 40 to exclude the presence of CACs. Moreover, pulp stones do not function as a diagnostic marker for CACs.

Structures Suggestive of Carotid Artery Calcifications and Their Prevalence on Digital Panoramic Radiographs Prevalence on Digital Panoramic Radiograp

Objectives: To investigate prevalence of carotid artery calcifications via digital panoramic radiographs of patientswho underwent dental treatment. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 12.687 patients who underwent dentaltreatment at a federal university, were collected (male, n = 5.169, 40.7%; female, n = 7.518, 59.3%). Patients wereaged 2–87 years (mean age, 34 years). Radiographs were obtained using a digital device. Two trained examinersanalyzed the images with an imaging software package. Radiopaque images in the C3 and C4 cervical vertebraeregion were searched for. Statistical outcomes were analyzed based on their association with sex and age. Results: The prevalence rate of carotid artery calcifications was 1.8% (n = 227). We identified unilateral (n = 140, 61.67%)and bilateral (n = 87, 38.33%) calcifications. Prevalence and sex (130 females, 97 males) were not statisticallysignificant (p > 0.05). We observed calcifications predominantly in patients aged 50–60 years (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Awareness by physicians and dentists of the possible presence of carotid artery calcifications on digital panoramicradiographs is necessary. To optimize the risk management of vascular diseases, asymptomatic patients in theirfifties or sixties must receive additional attention because panoramic radiographs may lead to diagnosis.

Cross-sectional study on the prevalence of carotid artery calcifications, tonsilloliths, calcified submandibular lymph nodes, sialoliths of the submandibular gland, and idiopathic osteosclerosis using digital panoramic radiography in a Lower Austrian subpopulation.

Bone and soft tissue calcifications can often be visualized on panoramic radiographs, thus leading to presumptive diagnoses requiring further examinations. This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of suspected carotid artery calcifications, tonsilloliths, calcified submandibular lymph nodes, sialoliths of the submandibular glands, and idiopathic osteosclerosis in a Lower Austrian subpopulation. Digital panoramic radiographs (DPR) taken from 1,042 subjects for other clinical purposes between the years 2013 and 2015 were evaluated, using a standardized template. Chi-square tests and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate the relationship between the detected calcifications and patient age as well as sex. Radiographic data from 490 men and 552 women (mean age of 49.2 [range 21 to 87] years) were analyzed. Two hundred and twenty calcifications were recorded in 198 subjects (19.0%), of which 100 (50.5%) were female. The mean age of participants with calcifications was 55.8 [SD 14.1] years. Radiopaque structures included carotid artery calcifications (5.7%), tonsilloliths (5.7%), calcified submandibular lymph nodes (3.6%), sialoliths of the submandibular gland (0.9%), and idiopathic osteosclerosis (5.3%) as presumptive diagnoses. In total, 196 calcifications (89.1%) were recorded in patients older than 40 years; no gender-dependent relationship could be revealed. Multiple calcification types were detected in 20 patients (11 women, 9 men). With a prevalence of 19.0% in the study population, calcifications observed on DPR are more spread than previously reported. Thus, with patients of increasing age, DPR should be regarded as an important tool for basic screening of suspicious calcifications necessitating further diagnostic assessments.

Prevalence of carotid artery calcifications among 2,500 digital panoramic radiographs of an adult Brazilian population.

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to analyze the epidemiological data of digital panoramic radiographs revealing suggestive images of carotid artery calcifications (CAC) from a Northeast Brazilian population.Material and MethodsA cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted with 2,500 digital panoramic radiographs obtained from a single imaging reference center in Northeast Brazil. Images from individuals of both sexes and older than 18 years were included and those that did not cover the region of cervical vertebrae or presented low radiographic quality were excluded. Data were analyzed regarding prevalence, location (bilateral, right or left), sex, and age using the Chi-square test at the significance level of 5%.ResultsAn amount of 96 (4%) patients presented suggestive images of CAC. The female sex (p=0.003) and individuals aged up to 70 years (p=0.002) were statically significant. 40.4% were found bilaterally, 37.6% on the right side (p<0.001) and 22% on the left side.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study showed a low prevalence of suggestive images of CAC in digital panoramic radiographs from a Northeast Brazilian population. It was observed a higher prevalence of CAC associated with female sex, older patients, and right side location. Key words:Atherosclerosis, carotid artery, digital panoramic radiograph, prevalence.

Prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas on panoramic radiographs of renal stone patients.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas detected on panoramic radiographs of patients with renal stones and to assess the correlation of renal stones and carotid artery calcifications (CAC). Panoramic radiographs of 120 renal stone patients (76 males and 44 females) and 120 controls (68 males and 52 females) were examined for any calcifications in the carotid artery. The mean age of the patients with renal stones and controls was 40.6±7.8 years and 41.1±6.7 years, respectively. A total of 25 (20.8%) patients with renal stones and 16 (12.3%) patients from the control group showed CAC. The calcifications were however higher in the patients with renal stones, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the two groups. CAC was found in 15 males and ten females with renal stones and nine males and seven females of the control group, and this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In the present study, no significant relationship was found between the presence of CAC in the patients with renal stones and the control group. However, there was a trend for higher prevalence of CAC in renal stone patients.

Prevalence of carotid artery calcifications detected on panoramic radiographs and confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography: Their relationship with systemic conditions.

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). 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. 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. 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%). 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.

Carotid artery calcification in ischemic stroke patients detected in standard dental panoramic radiographs – a preliminary study

Examine the prevalence of carotid artery calcifications in standard dental panoramic radiographs (OPT), their association to gender, medical history and oral status. Assess the predictive value of a dental OPT in early diagnosis of carotid artery calcifications. Fourteen patients admitted to Geneva University Hospital for recent ischemic stroke and stenosis of the carotid artery confirmed by Duplex sonography. All OPTs were digitised and subsequently assessed independently by two operators. From 21 carotid artery calcifications detected with Doppler sonography 15 were visible on the corresponding OPT, most of them on the right side (n=11). No correlation was found between the side of calcification and cerebral lesion. Hypertension and periodontal disease were the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Dentists who either detect carotid artery calcifications in OPTs or see patients with severe periodontitis should consider a prophylactic specialist examination.

The prevalence of carotid artery calcifications detected on panoramic radiographs in patients with metabolic syndrome

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of carotid artery calcifications (CAC) detected on panoramic radiographs in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Eighty-five Thai subjects (29 men, 56 women) who had MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation definition were evaluated for CAC detected on panoramic radiographs. The confirmation of findings was done by ultrasonography. Carotid artery calcifications were detected in 19 subjects (22.4%) with a mean age of 64 years, range 48-74 years. These subjects included 12 men and 7 women. The CAC were significantly more common in men than in women (P = .002). There were 8 subjects (9.4%) with bilateral calcifications and 11 subjects (12.9%) with unilateral calcification. No significant difference between the right and left sides was found (P = .44). Thai people with MetS have high prevalence of radiographically detectable carotid artery calcifications.