Prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas on the panoramic images of patients with syndrome Z, coexisting obstructive sleep apnea, and metabolic syndrome

Objectives. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) on panoramic images of individuals (n = 31) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with individuals (n = 117) with syndrome Z (SZ: OSA with concomitant metabolic syndrome [MetS]). Study design. Images of patients with OSA or SZ referred from the Sleep Service to Dentistry were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and t tests (Bonferroni correction) were conducted to determine significant differences between atheroma prevalence and proatherogenic factors (age, apnea-hypopnea index, body mass index, lipid profile, blood pressure, glucose) between OSA and SZ groups. Results. Individuals with OSA had an atheroma prevalence of 35% and those with SZ 42% (P = .52). Individuals with SZ also had significantly more severe atherogenic profiles (obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia) than OSA patients (P <= .05). Greatest CCAA prevalence (63%) was evidenced by SZ patients with severe OSA and moderate MetS. Conclusion. Individuals with SZ have significantly greater atherogenic burden and slightly higher prevalence of CCAAs when compared with individuals with OSA. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2012;113:134-141)