title: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Findings in the Early Diagnosis of Calcified Atheromas.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Computed tomograms of the mandibles of 285 patients with indications for dental implants were evaluated at a private clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study involved the evaluation of 285 cone-beam computed tomograms of patients 50 to 75 years of age who were referred to the clinic for the evaluation for implant placement images with visible C3 and C5 vertebrae that were obtained using the same I-Cat tomographic device (Imaging Sciences-Kavo, Hatfield, PA). Atheromas in the carotid space were visualized using paraxial images.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data were analyzed using Student t and χ2tests, with a significance level of a P value less than or equal to .05. Atheromas in the carotid space were observed in 17.89% of patients; a significant difference in the incidence of atheromas was observed between men (24.27%) and women (14.29%; P = .034). However, no significant correlation was found between the frequency of occurrence of atheromas and the affected side of the carotid bifurcation (right or left) in women (P = .431) or men (P = .558).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on these results, cone-beam computed tomography could be a useful tool for the diagnosis of atheroma.
authors.affiliation: Implantodontics Specialist, Department of Oral Radiology, Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil. Electronic address: artur_soares_@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Artur Dos Santos
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Soares
authors.affiliation: Radiology Specialist, Department of Oral Radiology, Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Márcia Viana
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Wanzeler
authors.affiliation: Student, Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Daniela
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Oliveria Renda
authors.affiliation: Radiology Specialist, Department of Oral Radiology, Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
authors.forename: Cláudia Gemaque
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Marinho
authors.affiliation: Radiology Specialist, Department of Oral Radiology, Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fabrício Mesquita
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Tuji
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D003757:Dental Implantation; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D012737:Sex Factors