Abstract :
Background and aim: Panoramic radiographs are routinely performed in dentistry and are a standard component of the initial dental examination. These radiographs often show carotid arteries (CAT) opacities, which are often the result of calcification in the internal carotid artery (ICA) or external carotid artery (ECA). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of carotid artery (CA) calcifications, using panoramic radiographs, and determine factors associated with carotid artery calcifications.
Materials and Methods: The study was based on 1823 digital panoramic radiographs retrieved consecutively from archival records. All radiographs were taken between 2022 and 2024 from our clinics at the Faculty of Dentistry, Sana'a University, Sana'a City, Yemen and private clinics in Sana’a city. The digital radiographs of 1823 patients with dental problems were originally taken for routine examination and not for investigation of dental diseases. All panoramic radiographs were then interpreted by both observers. Each observer interpreted each panoramic image individually, followed by discussion of each film between the observers. The diagnosis of carotid calcifications was made when the two observers agreed.
Results: There were 639 males and 1184 women in the trial, and all of the patients were older than 34.The prevalence of carotid artery calcification was 6.4% for total in males was 9.2% and 4.8% in females, with a significant association between male sex and the presence of calcification (OR=2.03, p
Keyword :
atherosclerosis, carotid calcifications, early diagnosis, panoramic radiographs, stenosis, Yemen