Prevalence of carotid calcification detected on panoramic radiographs in a Saudi population from a training institute in Central Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of carotid artery calcification as detected on panoramic radiographs in a Saudi population.

METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia between March 2008 and January 2009. Five hundred and fifty-five panoramic radiographs of Saudi patients aged 30 years and above was collected from the patient charts. The panoramic radiographs were examined by 3 trained and calibrated examiners to detect any carotid artery calcification.

RESULTS: Carotid artery calcification was noted in 28 (5%) of the 555 radiographs. Among these, 21 images were obtained from men (3.75%) and 7 from women (1.25%).

CONCLUSIONS: Dentists should be aware of the techniques to detect carotid artery calcification on the widely used panoramic radiographs. Consequently, information on a life-threatening condition could be provided to the patient, and a precautionary treatment could be suggested.