Prevalence of carotid artery calcification in patients with chronic renal disease identified by panoramic radiography

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of carotid artery calcification (CAC) in the panoramic radiographs of patients with chronic renal disease and to ascertain the medical parameters. Study Design. A total of 100 panoramic radiographs were observed. The division of patients according to renal disease was as follows: 37 in early-stage renal disease (ESG), 32 in predialysis (PDG), and 31 in hemodialysis (HDG). Results. There were 21 images with opacities suggestive of CAC (6 from ESG, 7 from PDG, and 8 from HDG). The medical parameters were as follows: Triglyceride levels were significantly higher (P < .0001) in patients with CAC compared with those without CAC; potassium levels were higher in the group with CAC compared with the group without CAC (P < .0001); and the calcium levels were lower in the group with CAC compared with the group without CAC (P < .0001). Conclusions. The patients with renal injury and changes in triglyceride and potassium levels had a higher prevalence of CAC on panoramic radiography.