SIGNS SUGGESTIVE OF CAROTID ATHEROMA IN PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPHS AND DIAGNOSIS BY DOPPLER ULTRASOUND IN DENTISTRY

Abstract

Carotid atherosclerosis is a common condition, especially in the carotid artery bifurcation region, where there is a greater predisposition to plaque formation due to the characteristics of blood flow. These plaques can lead to vascular stenosis and the release of emboli, representing a significant risk factor for stroke, particularly ischemic stroke. Panoramic radiography, widely used in dentistry, can reveal images suggestive of carotid atheroma, allowing the dentist to identify and refer patients at increased risk for cerebrovascular events to a primary care physician. Therefore, the diagnosis of this pathology is made using the complementary imaging examination Doppler ultrasound, considered a safe and effective method for evaluating plaque morphology and the degree of stenosis. This highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between dentistry and medicine, contributing to the prevention of serious complications for the patient. Thus, the objective of this study was to highlight the identification of signs suggestive of carotid atheroma in panoramic radiographs and the confirmation through Doppler ultrasound based on articles published between 2020 and 2025, retrieved from PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar, and the Virtual Health Library.