The Risk Patient and DiagnosticPossibilities of OPG

Overview

The evaluation ofOPGpictures in patients with risk factors influencing the originof cerebrovascular event should not only be directed to stomatological examination, but also tothe presence of calcified atherosclerotic plaques in the area of arteria carotis communisbifurcation. The stomatologist may be the first physician to reveal this serious risk and sendsthe patient to the aimed specialized examination.We have evaluated at our workplace a total of 738 OPG pictures in 469 women and 269 menin the age range of 45–90 years. Ninety seven pictures were not evaluable. Suspect findingswere detected in 21 women (3.2 %) and three men (0.3%). All these patients displayed some ofthe risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, menopause, and have been under regular careof specialized physicians.Our conclusions confirm the feasibility of a thorough evaluation of OPG especially in the riskpatients, but also in those who do not display any symptoms and have not been treated so far.

Key words:
orthopantomogram – arteria carotis – carotid artery – atherosclerosis– hypertension – diabetes