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Carotid Calcification on Panoramic — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardRadiology & ImagingCarotid Calcification on PanoramicNDEB AFK

Which radiographic finding on a panoramic radiograph is indicative of carotid artery atherosclerosis and should prompt medical referral?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Calcified plaques appearing as irregular radiopacities at or below the C3-C4 vertebral level near the bifurcation of the common carotid

Carotid artery atherosclerotic calcifications appear on panoramic radiographs as irregular, heterogeneous, nodular radiopacities at or below the level of the C3-C4 vertebral interspace, approximately 1.5-2.5 cm posterior and inferior to the angle of the mandible. This corresponds to the region of the carotid bifurcation. Detection of these calcifications should prompt referral to the patient's physician for cardiovascular risk assessment (carotid Doppler ultrasound) as they may indicate significant carotid stenosis and stroke risk.

Reference: White & Pharoah – Oral Radiology: Principles and Interpretation, 8th ed., 2019