The prevalence of carotid artery calcification on the panoramic radiographs of patients with renal disease

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of carotid calcification on dental panoramic radiographs in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on haemodialysis and renal transplant recipients. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 69 adult patients with renal disease (34 with haemodialysis and 35 with renal transplantations) (age range 17-74 years; mean age 39.45 years) and 50 controls (age-match, free of systemic disease) were examined on panoramic radiographs for any unusual radiopacity adjacent to or just below the intervertebral space between C3 and C4. Patients with such calcifications were referred to ultrasound examination. Using Chi-squared tests, calcification prevalence rates were statistically compared. Results: The statistical difference between renal disease patients and control group was significant (chi(2) = 17.9 1, P < 0.001). On comparison of haemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients with controls, statistical difference (P = 0.007) was found to be significant. Conclusion: Carotid artery calcification was higher in haemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients. These patients with such calcifications should be referred for further evaluation and treatment of carotid arteries, coronary arteries and vascular risk factors.