Panoramic radiographs: a screening tool for calcified carotid atheromatous plaque.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, according to a 2005 National Center for Health Statistics report. Atherosclerotic plaque in the cervical carotid artery accounts for a major proportion of strokes and also leads to billions of dollars in direct and indirect costs annually. The carotid bifurcation area, which is a likely site for atherosclerotic plaque accumulation, is well within the field of view of a diagnostic panoramic radiograph. Panoramic radiographs are the most frequently used extraoral images in private dental practices. It is only logical to use this widely available diagnostic tool to screen for calcifications in the cervical carotid arteries. If this oral and maxillofacial manifestation of a systemic disorder is identified during routine dental care and the patient is referred for appropriate follow-up and management, it would help reduce morbidity and bring significant savings in overall health care costs associated with atherosclerosis.
Ramesh
Aruna
A
Department of General Dentistry, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, USA.
Pabla
Tarunjeet
T
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic