Carotid calcifications in panoramic radiographs can predict vascular risk

Carotid artery calcification (CAC) is occasionally detected in panoramic radiographs (PRs). Bilateral vessel-outlining (BVO) CACs are independent risk markers for future vascular events and have been associated with large plaque area. If accounting for plaque area, BVO CACs may no longer be an independent risk marker for vascular events. The aim of this study was to explore the association between BVO CACs and vascular events and its relationship with carotid ultrasound plaque area.

In this cohort study we prospectively included 212 consecutive participants with CACs detected in PR that were performed to plan and evaluate odontologic treatment. Of these 212, 43 (20%) had BVO CACs. Plaque area was assessed with ultrasound at baseline. Primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) during follow-up.

Vessel-outlining CAC was associated with larger plaque area on the same side (P = .03) and BVO CACs were associated with larger total plaque area (both sides summed) than other CAC features (P = .004). Mean follow-up was 7.0 years and 72 (34%) participants had more than 1 MACE. In bivariable analyses, both BVO CACs (HR 2.5, P < .001) and total plaque area (HR 1.8 per cm2, P = .008) were associated with MACE. When entering BVO CACs, plaque area and other relevant co-variates in a multivariable model, BVO CACs were virtually unchanged (HR 2.4, P = .001), but total plaque area was no longer significant (HR 1.0, P = .92).

Present results support the contention that BVO CACs are a stronger predictor for future vascular events than carotid ultrasound plaque area.