Evaluation of calcified carotid artery atheromas detected by panoramic radiograph above 50-years-old in Isfahan

ABSTRACT

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidence of CCAAs detected on panoramic radiographs of above 50-years-old patient population. Further, we evaluated the relationship between CCAAs and general and oral health examinations. Calcified carotid artery atheromas or CCAAs are projected on panoramic radiographs as a radiopaque nodular mass or masses adjacent to the cervical vertebrae at or below the intervertebral space between C3 and C4. We concluded that, panoramic radiography should be evaluated not only for pathosis of teeth and jaws, but also for other incidental findings, especially in the soft tissue region of the neck. The incidental findings could provide potentially life saving informations especially for those elderly people who are at risk for stroke