Application of Fractal Dimension Analysis of Sublingual Blood Vessel Patterns in Correlation with Cardiovascular...

Background/Objectives: The blood vessel network can be used as a potential marker of general health. In the oral cavity, it is possible to diagnose systemic diseases as the manifestations of many metabolic, cardiovascular, hematological, and autoimmune diseases may represent in lingual tissue. Methods: In the present study, a fractal dimension analysis (FD) of blood vessels of the tongue was applied as a marker of the physiology as well as pathology of cardiovascular diseases. This study was conducted for old men and women aged 68-95 years. Intraoral photography of the lower surface of the tongue was analyzed and correlated with cardiovascular diseases. Results: Differences in the value of the fractal dimension of blood vessels, between hypertension and the control group, were found, as well as in heart coronary disease, atherosclerosis, and heart valve defects. Conclusions: FD changes in the microvascular network of the ventral surface of the tongue can be regarded as potential markers of certain systemic diseases. Based on them, diseases with a cardiovascular basis can be identified, which may expedite the diagnostic process for patients or serve the long-term monitoring of these conditions.