Incidental Findings in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images During Prosthodontic Evaluation: Characteristics of Head and Neck Atheromas

Abstract

Objectives Atheromas can be incidentally detected in routine CBCT images. This study aims to assess prevalence, and risk factors associated with these vascular lesions. Materials and Methods Full-volume CBCT images of 458 patients were evaluated and divided into 4 groups: Subjects with no atheroma, subjects with intracranial atheroma (ICA), subjects with extracranial atheroma (ECA), and subjects exhibiting combined lesions. Age, sex, medical conditions, family history, and size were documented. Results Of the 458 subject scans, 29.9% presented with incidental atheromas. Atheroma’s incidence was significantly higher in older patients and in males compared to females. Patients with atheroma were significantly more likely to have a history of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. Patients exhibiting combined lesions were more likely to have cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion Incidentally detected atheromas are common and subjects with combined lesions are at higher risk for CVD, and this warrants early referral to medical specialists.