Detection of common carotid artery calcifications on panoramic radiographs: prevalence and reliability

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of common carotid artery calcifications (CCAC) detected by panoramic radiographs (PR) in the population and main risk factors with review of the literature. Furthermore, the reliability of PR was verified to detect these calcifications. CCAC detected on PR was powerful markers for future cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events. We found that the prevalence of CCAC identified by PR may range from 0.43% to 9.4%, depending on the age and lifestyle of the population studied. In individuals with systemic diseases the prevalence was higher than in the general population, reaching up to 38.8%. The radiopaque masses compatible with CCAC identified by PR were more common in women and occurred unilaterally or both sides, without preference for one or the other. According to the literature reviewed PR had low sensitivity and acceptable accuracy for detecting CCAC. We conclude that calcified atheroma in the common carotid artery can be demonstrated in PR, and this is an important tool for early detection of CCAC. However, it is always necessary to refer the patient to a cardiology service to confirm the findings, determine the real extent of the disease and establish its corresponding treatment.