[Non ordinary radiopacity on a panoramic radiograph]

Abstract

A dental panoramic radiograph of a 56-years-old Sudanese woman revealed calcifications, which could be attributed to atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid artery. The occurence of these lesions is related to the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as transient ischemic attack or cerebrovascular accident. Carotid calcifications can be detected in 2 to 3.8% of panoramic radiographs of patients over 50 years of age. If detected early, treatment of the disease and the underlying risk factors can significantly reduce vascular related complications. There is a significant role to be played for dentists in early referral of patients.