Detection of carotid artery calcification on digital panoramic radiographs: a retrospective double blinded study

Aim of study. -Detection of Carotid Artery Calcification on Digital Panoramic Radiographs. Study Design: A total of 1017 random digital panoramic radiographs used as a part of routine dental examination were reviewed for the presence of Carotid Artery Calcifications. The images were interpreted by trained maxillofacial radiologists for the presence or absence of carotid calcification. Results: Out of 1017 digital panoramic radiographs only 323 digital panoramic radiographs were examined for Carotid Artery Calcifications, 13 (4.02 %) were noted to have Carotid Artery Calcifications on panoramic radiographs. The 13 Carotid Artery Calcifications patients consisted of 11 males and 2 females. All Calcifications were seen in participants above 40 years of age. These calcifications on the panoramic radiograph were unilateral in 11 (84.6%) and bilateral in 2 (15.3%) individuals. Summary and Conclusions: Panoramic radiography is an economical and non-invasive method for detecting cervical calcifications. PRs may help in the early diagnosis and in the assessment of CACs in patients with or without associated risk factors and reduce the morbidity and mortality due to diseases caused by atherosclerosis. Key Words: Carotid Artery Calcifications, digital imaging, panoramic radiography