Benefit of Panoramic Radiography in the Detection of Carotid Calcifications: Clinical Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Atherosclerotic lesions in the common carotid artery are one of the most frequent causes of ischemic stroke. They are usually diagnosed by cardiologists and are managed following complementary examinations. In dental practice, panoramic radiograph is a basic examination frequently performed in first line. On this radiography, possible unilateral or bilateral opacities projecting to the latero-cervical regions can be visualized, raising suspicion of carotid calcifications. The aim of this study was to present, through three cases and a review of the literature, the benefit of PR in the diagnosis of carotid calcifications and the approaches to be followed in case of such suspicious images. This would contribute, in some cases, to an early diagnosis and management, thus avoiding the evolution towards cerebral vascular accidents.