DETERMINATION OF THE PREVALENCE OF CAROTID ARTERY CALCIFICATIONS BY EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS USING PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPHY

Background and aim: Panoramic radiographs are routinely performed in dentistry and are a standard component of the initial dental examination. These radiographs often show carotid arteries (CAT) opacities, which are often the result of calcification in the internal carotid artery (ICA) or external carotid artery (ECA). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of carotid artery (CA) calcifications, using panoramic radiographs, and determine factors associated with carotid artery calcifications. Materials and Methods: The study was based on 1823 digital panoramic radiographs retrieved consecutively from archival records. All radiographs were taken between 2022 and 2024 from our clinics at the Faculty of Dentistry, Sana'a University, Sana'a City, Yemen and private clinics in Sana’a city. The digital radiographs of 1823 patients with dental problems were originally taken for routine examination and not for investigation of dental diseases. All panoramic radiographs were then interpreted by both observers. Each observer interpreted each panoramic image individually, followed by discussion of each film between the observers. The diagnosis of carotid calcifications was made when the two observers agreed.  Results: There were 639 males and 1184 women in the trial, and all of the patients were older than 34.The prevalence of carotid artery calcification was 6.4% for total in males was 9.2% and 4.8% in females, with a significant association between male sex and the presence of calcification (OR=2.03, p<0.0001). Older age groups <65 years and those 55-64 years had a 3.2 and 2.5 times higher odds ratio of carotid calcification respectively, while younger age groups had no association. The study found that 42.2% of patients had plaque in the ICA bulb, 39.7% in bifurcations, and 18.1% in distal location. Mixed iso and hypodense plaque were prevalent, with low grade stenosis being the most common. Conclusion: Based on the information provided here, we believe it is critical to look more thoroughly at the calcification in the (CAT) carotid arteries of the many panoramic radiographs that are obtained every day in Yemen before sending any patients who may be impacted to a specialist for additional diagnosis.                  Peer Review History: Received 5 February 2025;   Reviewed 11 March 2025; Accepted 26 April; Available online 15 May 2025