Panoramic images of white and black post-menopausal females evidencing carotid calcifications are at high risk of comorbid osteopenia of the femoral neck

Objectives: Femoral neck fractures in older females resulting from decreased bone mineral density (BMD; osteopenia) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Bone mineralization inhibition is probably controlled by proteins which also foster vascular calcification. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between calcified carotid artery plaque (CCAP) on panoramic images and BMD on dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone scans. Methods: Images and hospital records identified by dentists defined two study groups (20 white females and 24 black females) having CCAP and an incidentally obtained bone scan. Ethnically matched (age +/- 7 years, body mass index +/- 3 units) control groups with panoramic images devoid of CCAP and accompanying DXA scan were likewise constituted. A physician determined the BMD on the DXA. Results: Females with CCAP had significantly (p = 0.03) poorer BMD at the femoral neck than those without CCAP. Although mean femoral neck BMD was significantly lower (p = 0.009) for white than for black females, there was no significant interaction between race and CCAP (p = 0.80). Conclusion: We observed a significant inverse association between the CCAP on panoramic images and femoral neck BMD in post-menopausal white females.