Ali Altındağ, Ömer Altındağ
Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine - 2025;8(6):1006-1010
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of carotid artery calcification (CAC) on panoramic radiographs and to investigate its relationship with age, sex, and systemic diseases. Methods: Panoramic radiographs obtained from 599 patients who referred to our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Irregular, heterogeneous radiopaque masses located at the C3-C4 cervical vertebral level were considered indicative of CAC, with differential diagnosis performed against other calcified anatomical or pathological structures. Data on patient age, sex, and systemic conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes) were recorded. Information on smoking status, lipid profiles, medication use, and history of cardiovascular surgery was not recorded. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between CAC and clinical variables. Results: CAC was detected in 19 patients, corresponding to a prevalence of 3.2%. The prevalence increased with age: 0.9% in the 18-35 age group, 6.3% in the 36-60 age group, and 4.9% in patients aged >=61 years. Logistic regression analysis identified age as an independent risk factor for CAC (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed with respect to sex or systemic diseases; however, the prevalence of CAC was relatively higher in patients with cardiovascular disease (7.7%), whereas no cases were observed among diabetics. Conclusion: The prevalence of CAC detected incidentally on panoramic radiographs was within the range reported in previous studies. Age was confirmed as an independent risk factor, while sex and systemic comorbidities showed no significant associations. Panoramic radiographs may serve as a useful tool for the incidental detection of CAC in routine dental practice.
