Prevalence of carotid and pulp calcifications: a correlation using digital panoramic radiographs.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the prevalence of pulp calcification with that of carotid calcification using digital panoramic dental radiographs.


METHODS
Digital panoramic radiographs of patients at a dental oncology clinic were included if (1) the carotid artery bifurcation region was visible bilaterally and (2) the patient had non-restored or minimally restored molars and/or canines. An endodontist evaluated the images for pulpal calcifications in the selected teeth. An oral and maxillofacial radiologist independently evaluated the same images for calcifications in the carotid bifurcation region. Odds-ratio and Pearson chi(2) were used for data analysis. Presence of pulpal calcification was also evaluated as a screening test for the presence of carotid calcification.


RESULTS
A total of 247 panoramic radiographs were evaluated. 32% (n = 80) had pulpal calcifications and 25% (n = 61) had carotid calcifications with 12% (n = 29) having both carotid and pulp calcifications. A significantly higher prevalence of both pulp and carotid calcification was found in subjects older than age 60 years compared to younger age groups. Accuracy of pulpal calcification in screening for carotid calcification was 66.4%.


CONCLUSIONS
Both pulp and carotid calcifications were more prevalent in older individuals. The presence of pulp calcification was not a strong predictor for the presence of carotid calcification.
Horsley
Scott H
SH
Department of Periodontics, Endodontics and Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, 501 South Preston Street, Room LL35, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
Beckstrom
Brice
B
Clark
Stephen J
SJ
Scheetz
James P
JP
Khan
Zafrulla
Z
Farman
Allan G
AG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D003784:Dental Pulp Calcification / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D055815:Young Adult