Prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas on the panoramic images of patients with syndrome Z, coexisting obstructive sleep apnea, and metabolic syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) on panoramic images of individuals (n = 31) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with individuals (n = 117) with syndrome Z (SZ: OSA with concomitant metabolic syndrome [MetS]).


METHODS
Images of patients with OSA or SZ referred from the Sleep Service to Dentistry were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and t tests (Bonferroni correction) were conducted to determine significant differences between atheroma prevalence and proatherogenic factors (age, apnea-hypopnea index, body mass index, lipid profile, blood pressure, glucose) between OSA and SZ groups.


RESULTS
Individuals with OSA had an atheroma prevalence of 35% and those with SZ 42% (P = .52). Individuals with SZ also had significantly more severe atherogenic profiles (obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia) than OSA patients (P ≤ .05). Greatest CCAA prevalence (63%) was evidenced by SZ patients with severe OSA and moderate MetS.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with SZ have significantly greater atherogenic burden and slightly higher prevalence of CCAAs when compared with individuals with OSA.
Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California 90073, USA.
Tina I
TI
Chang
Jeffrey M
JM
Tanner
Nancy D
ND
Harada
Neal R
NR
Garrett
Arthur H
AH
Friedlander
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications*; D055815:Young Adult