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Vascular-related cone-beam computed tomographic findings in healthy and medically compromised patients: A study based
Spyros Damaskos1, Andronikos Zoukos1, Charalambos Vlachopoulos2
1Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Insights
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) reveals vascular calcifications linked to common health conditions. Dentists should review patient history when these incidental findings appear on CBCT scans.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Dental Radiology
Background:
- Vascular calcifications are associated with cardiovascular disease.
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is increasingly used in dentistry.
- Incidental findings on CBCT may indicate underlying health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate incidental vascular calcification-like findings on CBCT with self-reported medical data.
- To assess the relationship between predisposing factors and imaging findings.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 391 CBCT scans for extra- and intra-cranial carotid artery calcifications (ECAC and ICAC) and Mönckeberg medial sclerosis (MMS).
- Categorization of patients based on self-reported medical histories.
- Descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression analysis.
Main Results:
- 23.27% of scans showed ECAC, 42.71% ICAC, and 1.8% MMS.
- Significant correlations found between ECAC/ICAC and hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and sleep apnea/COPD.
- Strong correlations with increasing age and male sex for ECAC.
Conclusions:
- Vascular calcification signs on CBCT correlate with various predisposing health factors.
- Thorough medical history assessment is crucial for dental patients with incidental vascular calcification findings on CBCT.
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between incidental vascular calcification-like imaging findings and self-reported medical data, as well as to assess the relationship between reported predisposing factors and imaging findings using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 391 CBCT scans from 188 males and 203 females were anonymously analyzed for the presence of extra- and intra-cranial carotid artery calcifications (ECAC and ICAC, respectively) and signs of Mönckeberg medial sclerosis (MMS). The patients were categorized into 4 groups based on their self-reported medical histories. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the data, which were subsequently validated through simple univariate logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Among the 391 CBCT scans reviewed, 23.27% exhibited ECAC, 42.71% demonstrated ICAC, and 1.8% showed MMS. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (P<0.05) between both ECAC and ICAC and self-reported predisposing factors-including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and sleep apnea/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-with notable differences among the study categories (P<0.05). In addition, a strong correlation (P<0.001) was found between the presence of ECAC, ICAC, and MMS and increasing age. Men were significantly more susceptible to ECAC than women (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
These findings underscore the importance of a thorough pre-treatment medical history assessment in dental patients, particularly when vascular calcification-like signs are observed on CBCT imaging.
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