Significance of Calcifications in Projection of Carotid Arteries on Orthopantomography for Detection of Carotid Artery Stenosis.

Introduction: Orthopantomography is amongst the most commonly used dental imaging modalities. Calcifications in the projection of carotids on orthopantomographs are found in 3-15% of general population and commonly represent calcified atherosclerotic plaques. Carotid atherosclerotic changes are one of the most frequent causes of stroke, which is the second most common cause of death and the leading cause of disability globally. Our aim was to determine the relationship between calcifications in the projection of carotids on orthopantomographs, carotid stenosis and stroke, and the correlation between stroke risk factors, calcifications on orthopantomographs and the degree of carotid stenosis. Materials and methods: Doppler ultrasound and brain MRI were performed in 41 patients with unilateral or bilateral calcifications on orthopantomographs. Anamnestic data relevant to stroke risk were gathered. Results: Significant stenosis >50% was found in almost 15% of our patients. There was a significant correlation between hypertension and carotid calcifications. No statistically significant correlation between calcifications and significant stenosis was found. Patients with previous stroke were approximiately 5 years older than those without stroke. Conclusion: Preliminary results show no statistically significant correlation between calcifications on orthopantomography and significant carotid stenosis, but further investigation is needed.

Image quality of mammography in Croatian nationwide screening program: comparison between various types of facilities.

PURPOSE: The study was aimed to provide objective evidence about the mammographic image quality in Croatia, to compare it between different types of MG facilities and to identify the most common deficiencies and possible reasons as well as the steps needed to improve image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 420 mammographic examinations collected from 84 mammographic units participating in the Croatian nationwide breast cancer screening program were reviewed in terms of four image quality categories: identification of patient and examination, breast positioning and compression, exposure and contrast, and artifacts. Those were rated using image evaluating system based on American College of Radiology and European Commission proposals. The results were compared among different types of mammographic units, and common image quality deficiencies were identified. RESULTS: Total image quality scores of 12.8, 16.1, 13.0 and 13.7 were found for general hospitals, university hospitals, private clinics and public healthcare centres, respectively. Average score for all mammographic units was 13.5 (out of 25 points). University hospitals were significantly better than all other mammography units in overall image quality, which was mostly contributed by better breast positioning practices. Private clinics showed the worst results in identification, exposure, contrast and artifacts. CONCLUSIONS: Serious deficiencies in identification and breast positioning, which might compromise breast cancer screening outcome, were detected in our material. They occur mainly due to subjective reasons and could be corrected through additional staff training and improvement of working discipline.