Panoramic radiography as an auxiliary in detecting patients at risk for cerebrovascular accident (CVA) : a case report

Abstract

Most cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), commonly referred to as noncardiogenic strokes, occur as a result of atherosclerosis involving the common, internal and external carotids arteries, due to atheroma formation. Several factors influence atheroma formation, such as hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, obesity and sedentary lifestyle among others. When atheromas are positioned inside the vessel lumen, they alter the flow of blood, causing the stroke. These atheromas, that are calcified plaques, can be observed in panoramic radiography. (J. Oral Sci. 45, 177-180, 2003)