Calcium quantity in carotid plaques: detection in panoramic radiographs and association with degree of stenosis

Objective: To determine calcium volume in extirpated carotid plaques, analyze correlations between calcium volume and degree of stenosis, and analyze whether calcium volume influences the possibility of detecting stenosis in panoramic radiographs.

Study design: Ninety-seven consecutive patients with ultrasonography-verified carotid stenosis were examined with panoramic radiography before surgery. Extirpated carotid plaques (n = 103) were analyzed for calcium volume by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Panoramic radiographs were analyzed for carotid calcifications.

Results: The median calcium volume was 45 mm(3) (first quartile subtracted from the third quartile [IQR], 14-98 mm(3)). We observed no correlation between calcium volume and degree of stenosis. Seventy-eight stenoses were situated within the region included in the panoramic radiographs, and their volumes ranged from 0 to 509 mm(3). Of these, 99% revealed carotid calcifications on panoramic radiographs.

Conclusions: We found no association between calcium volume and degree of carotid stenosis. Calcium volume did not influence the possibility of detecting carotid calcifications in panoramic radiographs.