Prevalencia de placas ateroescleróticas y sus factores asociados en radiografías panorámicas tomadas en el centro de imágenes diagnósticas de la Universidad Santo Tomás en el año 2018

Abstract

Introduction. Atherosclerotic plaque is an accumulation and calcification of fatty material located in artery walls. It is the main cause of cardiovascular events, followed by metabolic alterations such us diabetes and renal disease. It has been demonstrated that these can be seen in panoramic radiographs as they project a well-defined radiopaque area at the level of c3, c4 & c5 vertebrae. Panoramic radiography it is frequently used in dentistry; We have some disadvantages that prevent the dentist from using it as an absolutely reliable method to give a definitive diagnosis, but in the case of the atherosclerotic plaques located in the carotid artery, contributing to the early diagnosis of systemic events does not present any inconvenience or a diagnostic advantage. accurate to give a good clinical assessment Objectives. To determine the prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques and their associated factors found in panoramic digital radiographs taken in 2018 at the diagnostic imaging center at the Santo Tomas University. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was developed; the prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques, sociodemographic data and associated factors were described; digital panoramic radiographs taken at the Santo Tomas University were chosen in 2018, obtaining a sample of 250 radiographs taking into account they were from over-40-years-old patients with signed informed consent, and where C3, C4 & C5 vertebrae could be observed. Panoramic radiographs with low image quality that impeded the visualization of the atheromas and the spine were excluded. Results. 250 digital panoramic radiographs were evaluated. In 54 of them it was possible to observe the vertebrae bilaterally, finding the presence of atheromas in 15 of them with 27,8%. When analyzing the presence of atheromas with risk factors, 50% of the evaluated patients who presented these already, also reported hypertension in their clinical history, and 37,7% of them reported also family history of cardiovascular disease. Conclussions. In this study, 250 panoramic radiographs taken at the Santo Tomas University were evaluated, from which 54 fulfilled the necessary requirements for selection in the study. 15 of these presented atheromas, showing a prevalence of 27,8%. 50% of the patients who presented atheromas were related to hypertension, and 37,7% reported a family history of cardiovascular disease in their clinical history. The most affected age range by the presence of atheromas was the one from 56 to 75 years old with a percentage of 32,1%. Among the patients who presented them, the most predominant side with these was the left side. The most notable location was between C4 & C5 vertebrae, with a nodular shape. The most common number of atheroma was 1 atheroma.