Panoramic Radiographic Detection of Systemic Disease

Abstract

For the purposes of this report, “systemic disease” will be interpreted as conditions that are spread out within the body rather than being localized strictly to the tissues of the oral cavity. Since it would take many volumes to review all such conditions, the intent of this chapter of is to review a few examples where initial panoramic radiographic findings suggest widespread disease of sufficient significance to affect the quality of life or longevity of the patient. The first part of this chapter deals with the possibility of detecting carotid artery calcifications, indicative of cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in the US population.

Each year more than 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke and 275,000 of these individuals die. Similarly, 1.2 million Americans suffer a myocardial infarct and 220,000 of these are fatal [1]. Common to both disorders is the atherosclerotic process of plaque formation in which fatty substances, cholesterol, platelets, cellular waste products, and calcium are deposited in the inner lining of the carotid and coronary arteries.