Vascular-related cone-beam computed tomographic findings in healthy and medically compromised patients: A study based on self-reported medical history data

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between incidental vascular calcification-like imaging findings and self-reported medical data, as well as to assess the relationship between reported predisposing factors and imaging findings using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data.

Materials and methods: A total of 391 CBCT scans from 188 males and 203 females were anonymously analyzed for the presence of extra- and intra-cranial carotid artery calcifications (ECAC and ICAC, respectively) and signs of Mönckeberg medial sclerosis (MMS). The patients were categorized into 4 groups based on their self-reported medical histories. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the data, which were subsequently validated through simple univariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: Among the 391 CBCT scans reviewed, 23.27% exhibited ECAC, 42.71% demonstrated ICAC, and 1.8% showed MMS. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (P<0.05) between both ECAC and ICAC and self-reported predisposing factors-including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and sleep apnea/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-with notable differences among the study categories (P<0.05). In addition, a strong correlation (P<0.001) was found between the presence of ECAC, ICAC, and MMS and increasing age. Men were significantly more susceptible to ECAC than women (P<0.05).

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of a thorough pre-treatment medical history assessment in dental patients, particularly when vascular calcification-like signs are observed on CBCT imaging.

Keywords: Carotid Artery, External; Carotid Artery, Internal; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Monckeberg Medial Calcific Sclerosis.

Fig. 1. Eligibility criteria. CBCT: cone-beam computed tomography.

Fig. 2. Cone-beam computed tomographic images of extra-cranial carotid artery calcifications are seen in axial (A), coronal (B), and sagittal (C) projections (white arrows).

Fig. 3. Cone-beam computed tomographic images of intra-cranial carotid artery calcifications are seen in axial (A), coronal (B), and sagittal (C) projections (white arrows).

Fig. 4. Cone-beam computed tomographic images of Mönckeberg medial sclerosis signs are seen in the lingual artery in axial (A), coronal (B), and sagittal (C) projections (white arrows) coexistence with extra-cranial carotid artery calcifications (dotted arrow).