Evaluation of Calcified Carotid Artery Atheromas Detected By Panoramic Radiograph among Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Abstract: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of Carotid artery calcifications (CACs) of diabetic patients and compare it with normal non-diabetic individuals. Panoramic radiographs of 200 adult patients with type 2 diabetes (90 male and 110 females) (age range 16-79 years; mean age 40.54 years) and 200 controls (age-match, free of systemic diseases) were examined on panoramic radiographs for any unusual radiopacity adjacent to or just below the intervertebral space between C3 and C4. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi-squared and Fisher exact tests. Carotid artery calcifications (CACs) were higher in diabetic patients compared with normal healthy control and the statistical difference between the two groups was significant (Chi-square test = 10.82, P = 0.001). Twenty-five (16 females, 9 males) diabetic patients showed CACs, Mean age of diabetic patients with calcification was 47.11 years. Further analysis of this group showed that 60% of patients with CACs were smokers, 48% had hypertension and 25% were obese. In conclusion, our study shows that in patients with diabetes mellitus CACs can be detected by panoramic radiography and the patients may benefit from a referral to physicians for further evaluation and necessary management.