BMC Cardiovascular Disorders 2011,
11:67doi:10.1186/1471-2261-11-67
Background
The aim was to investigate the extent to which it is possible to
diagnose suspected carotid calcification from dental panoramic
radiography (PR) and to establish an association to periodontal risk.
Methods
824 PRs from one dental practice were investigated. Parameters
considered were gender, age, bone loss - age index, tooth loss,
periodontal risk and suspected carotid calcification (left, right, both
sides). Periodontal risk was classified: low risk (under 4 missing
teeth, bone loss - age index under 0.5), moderate risk (5 to 8 missing
teeth and/or bone loss - age index 0.5 to 1.0) and high risk (more than 9
missing teeth and or bone loss - age index greater than 1.0).
Results
Of 824 patients, 349 were male (42.4%) and 475 female (57.6%); the
mean age was 48.32+/-16.52 years. In 9.0% (n=74) of PRs, suspected
carotid calcification was diagnosed (right: 5.5%, left: 2.3%, both
sides: 1.2%). The mean tooth loss was 4.16+/-5.39 teeth. In the case of
282 patients (34.2%), there was a low, in 335 patients (40.7%) a
moderate, and in 207 patients (25.1%) a high periodontal risk. There was
a significant correlation found between number of cases of suspected
carotid calcification and periodontal risk, tooth loss and age
(p=0.0001). However, only age showed a significant association (OR: 4.9;
CI: 2.4-9.8; p<0.0001) in contrast to periodontal risk (OR 1.4; CI:
0.9-2.4).
Conclusion
PR can provides indication of carotid calcification as a secondary
(chance) finding. In addition, periodontal risk may be correlated with
positive findings of carotid calcification.
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