Prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas on digital panoramic radiographs in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients

Abstract

Introduction: Panoramic radiographs are routinely used in dental clinics and are of great value in the diagnosis of calcified carotid artery atheromas. So the present study is aimed to know the prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas on the digital panoramic radiographs of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic. Aim and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas in Type 2 diabetes mellitus and to assess the reliability of digital panoramic radiographs in detection of calcified carotid artery atheromas. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 subjects were included in the present study, 50 Type 2 diabetic patients and 50 age and sex matched healthy individuals were chosen as controls. Blood samples were collected and a digital panoramic radiograph was advised. To confirm those carotid artery calcifications (CACs) which were evident on panoramic radiograph further ultrasound Color Doppler was advised. Results: Among 50 Type 2 diabetic patients 9 (18%) patients showed CACs on digital panoramic radiograph and among 50 controls there were no CACs on digital panoramic radiograph with a statistically significant P value of 0.0022 (P < 0.05). Type 2 diabetes who exhibited CACs on digital panoramic radiograph also showed CACs on ultra sound Color Doppler. Conclusion: Our study concludes that people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus have more prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas on digital panoramic radiographs than non-diabetics.

Keywords

• atheromas
• carotid artery
• hyperglycaemia
• panoramic radiographs key message: type 2 diabetic patients have a high risk of carotid artery atheromas due to associated risk factors of hyperglycaemia
• hyperlipidaemia. so
• the early detection of carotid artery calcifications on digital panoramic radiograph prevents the future risk of cerebrovascular stroke.