title: Coincidence of calcified carotid atheromatous plaque, osteoporosis, and periodontal bone loss in dental panoramic radiographs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was performed to assess the correlation of calcified carotid atheromatous plaque (CCAP), the mandibular cortical index, and periodontal bone loss in panoramic radiographs.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred eighty-five panoramic radiographs with CCAP and 234 without this finding were evaluated by 3 observers for the presence of osseous changes related to osteoporosis and periodontal bone loss. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the two groups for an association of CCAP with the mandibular cortical index and periodontal bone loss, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant coincidence of CCAP and osseous changes related to osteopenia/osteoporosis, with a p-value <0.001. There was no statistically significant coincidence of CCAP and periodontal bone loss. When comparing the 2 groups, "With CCAP" and "Without CCAP", there was a statistically significant association with the mean body mass index (BMI), number of remaining teeth, positive history of diabetes mellitus, and vascular accidents. There was no statistically significant association with gender or a history of smoking.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study identified a possible concurrence of CCAP and mandibular cortical changes secondary to osteopenia/osteoporosis in panoramic radiographs. This could demonstrate the important role of dental professionals in screening for these systemic conditions, leading to timely and appropriate referrals resulting in early interventions and thus improving overall health.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Department of Diagnosis and Health Promotion, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Aruna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ramesh
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Howard University College of Dentistry, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Soroushian
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Department of Diagnosis and Health Promotion, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Rumpa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ganguly
keywords: Atherosclerosis, Alveolar Bone Loss; Osteoporosis; Radiography, Panoramic