Prevalence of Pathologic Findings in Panoramic Radiographs: Calcified Carotid Artery Atheroma.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of images suggestive of calcified carotid artery atheromas (ISCCAA) in panoramic radiographs of patients under dental treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 8.338 panoramic radiographs from female (n=5.049) and male (n=3.289) patients under dental treatment between 4 and 94 years of age. The panoramic radiographs were evaluated searching for ISCCAA. The obtained findings were statistically associated with sex and age.

RESULTS: ISCCAA were found in 579 radiographs (6.9%). No statistically significant differences were observed between females and males (p>0.05). ISCCAA were more prevalent in patients having a mean age of 50 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The potential cases of ISCCAA that were assessed on panoramic radiographs are of utmost clinical significance because they can ensure early and correct diagnosis.