The relationship between diabetes and carotid artery calcifications detected via dental cone-beam computed tomography in patients undergoing implant treatment planning

Background. The authors investigated the association between carotid artery calcifications (CACs) detected incidentally on dental cone-beam computed tomographic scans and positive diabetes status. Methods. Two patient groups were identified retrospectively from a patient database: positive for CACs based on cone-beam computed tomographic scans and positive diabetes status. In addition to demographic characteristics, data including diabetes status and presence, type, and absence of CACs were obtained. A chi(2) statistical analysis was completed by means of dividing the data into sets of known CAC and known history of diabetes; significance level was P < .05. Results. To satisfy the a priori power analysis, records from 2010 through 2021 were used. For the positive CAC group, data were obtained from 288 patients (171 men, 117 women) and 68 patients (24%) had a positive diabetes status at the time of cone-beam computed tomography (P < .001). There were significantly more male patients (n = 47) than female patients (n = 21) with diabetes (chi(2) = 9.9; P = .002). For the positive diabetes group, data were obtained from 225 patients (149 men, 76 women), and 100 patients (44%) had an identifiable CAC. There were significantly more male patients (n = 73) than female patients (n = 27) with CAC (chi(2) = 21.2; P < .001). Conclusions. There was a significant relationship to diabetes for patients with CACs, indicating potential undiagnosed diabetes. Male patients with diabetes are significantly more at risk of developing CACs. Practical Implications. People with CAC may be at risk of having undiagnosed diabetes and require heightened awareness during implant treatment planning.