A Retrospective Pilot Study to Evaluate the Radiographic Prognosis of Calcified Carotid Atherosclerosis Based on Cone Beam Computed Tomography

TL;DR

This study uses cone beam CT scans to track calcified carotid atherosclerosis progression and introduces a new scoring system for better assessment.

Contribution

A novel calcium scoring system using Agatston, volume, and density scores derived from CBCT data is introduced.

Findings

A slight increase in calcification number, size, and anatomical area was observed over time.

The AGS on the left side showed significant difference compared to the volume score on the right side (P=0.0403).

Mean scores on the second scan were higher than on the first scan.

Abstract

Background: Carotid atherosclerosis has been used to measure the risk for heart disease and stroke. With the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), dentists can diagnose them earlier if the area is calcified. This study aims to assess the radiographic prognosis of calcified carotid atherosclerosis over time.

Methods: A retrospective pilot study including 50 patients with multiple CBCT scans was conducted. Two parameters were used to assess the prognosis of the calcification:(1) involvement of a new anatomical location on the second scan; and (2) a novel use of calcium scoring system by measuring the Agatston score (AGS), volume score, and density score utilizing CBCT data.

Results: Out of 50 patients, there were 28 (56%) females and 22 (44%) males. The mean age was 71±7.42. A slight increase in the number, size, and anatomical area of calcification was noted. There was a significant difference between the AGS on the left side and the volume score, P=0.0403, on the right side. The mean value of all scores on the second scan was higher than on the first.

Conclusions: Our study evaluated the progression of calcified carotid atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients undergoing multiple CBCT scans. The findings indicate that there was a slight increase in the number, size, and anatomical area of calcification over time. Additionally, the introduction of a calcium scoring system allowed for more comprehensive assessment using the AGS, volume score, and density score derived from CBCT scan data.

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