Prevalence of carotid calcification detected on panoramic radiographs in a Saudi population from a training institute in Central Saudi Arabia.

Authors

• Hamad A. Alzoman
• Ra'ed I. Al-Sadhan
• Ziyad H. Al-Lahem
• Abdullah N. Al-Sakaker
• Yasser F. Al-Fawaz

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of carotid artery calcification as detected on panoramic radiographs in a Saudi population. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia between March 2008 and January 2009. Five hundred and fifty-five panoramic radiographs of Saudi patients aged 30 years and above was collected from the patient charts. The panoramic radiographs were examined by 3 trained and calibrated examiners to detect any carotid artery calcification. RESULTS: Carotid artery calcification was noted in 28 (5%) of the 555 radiographs. Among these, 21 images were obtained from men (3.75%) and 7 from women (1.25%). CONCLUSIONS: Dentists should be aware of the techniques to detect carotid artery calcification on the widely used panoramic radiographs. Consequently, information on a life-threatening condition could be provided to the patient, and a precautionary treatment could be suggested.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

177

Last Page

181

Recommended Citation

Alzoman, Hamad A.; Al-Sadhan, Ra'ed I.; Al-Lahem, Ziyad H.; Al-Sakaker, Abdullah N.; and Al-Fawaz, Yasser F. (2012) "Prevalence of carotid calcification detected on panoramic radiographs in a Saudi population from a training institute in Central Saudi Arabia.," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 33: Iss. 2, Article 10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.5488