Carotid Calcification in Panoramic Radiography

Abstract

Neck carotid stenosis caused by arteriosclerosis of the carotid artery is regarded as often leading to brain infarction, a theory that has gained recognition in recent years. However, subjective symptoms are difficult to observe, and these lesions are thus difficult to find. Depending on the case, abnormalities may be indicated from panoramic radiography. Subjects of this study comprised 105 patients consulting the Department of Oral Surgery in our hospital from April 2011 to March 2013 who underwent panoramic radiography and neck CT. In this study, calcification of the carotid artery was observed in 62 patients on CT, while calcium deposition was observed in 20 cases on panoramic radiography. Panoramic radiography is generally performed for patients consulting the Department Dentistry and/or Oral Surgery, and calcification of the carotid artery is sometimes confirmed at the top of the image. With panoramic radiography, radiographic image interpretation must be performed by taking into consideration the possible observance of sclerotic changes in the carotid artery without subjective symptoms.