A H Friedlander1, L A Maeder. 1. VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, UCLA Dental School, UCLA Medical Center, Sepulveda, CA 91343, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, which afflicts 15 million Americans, is associated with accelerated cervical carotid artery atherosclerosis and a heightened risk of stroke. This study attempted to determine the prevalence of calcified atherosclerotic lesions in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: The panoramic radiographs of 49 men (age range, 55 to 81; mean age, 66.2 years) receiving routine dental treatment and insulin for diabetes at a Department of Affairs Veterans clinic were evaluated for calcified atheromas. Age-match controls, free of diabetes, were assessed in a like manner. Statistical comparison of the atheroma prevalence rates was by means of the Fisher exact test, and statistical comparison of atherogenic risk factors was by means of t test with Bonferroni adjustment and, where necessary, the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The radiographs of the diabetics (mean age, 66.9 years) revealed that 20.4% had atheromas whereas those of the controls (mean age, 68.1 years) demonstrated that 4% had atheromas (a statistically significant difference; P =.0275). Also statistically significant was the prevalence of atherogenic risk factors (plasma glucose, low-density lipoproteins, and serum triglycerides) identified in the diabetic group. The radiographic appearance of the atheromas manifested by both groups of individuals, however, was similar, with the lesions located 1.5-2.5 cm inferior-posterior to angle of the mandible. CONCLUSIONS: People with type 2 diabetes have a greater prevalence of calcified atheromas on their panoramic radiographs than do nondiabetics.
OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, which afflicts 15 million Americans, is associated with accelerated cervical carotid artery atherosclerosis and a heightened risk of stroke. This study attempted to determine the prevalence of calcified atherosclerotic lesions in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: The panoramic radiographs of 49 men (age range, 55 to 81; mean age, 66.2 years) receiving routine dental treatment and insulin for diabetes at a Department of Affairs Veterans clinic were evaluated for calcified atheromas. Age-match controls, free of diabetes, were assessed in a like manner. Statistical comparison of the atheroma prevalence rates was by means of the Fisher exact test, and statistical comparison of atherogenic risk factors was by means of t test with Bonferroni adjustment and, where necessary, the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The radiographs of the diabetics (mean age, 66.9 years) revealed that 20.4% had atheromas whereas those of the controls (mean age, 68.1 years) demonstrated that 4% had atheromas (a statistically significant difference; P =.0275). Also statistically significant was the prevalence of atherogenic risk factors (plasma glucose, low-density lipoproteins, and serum triglycerides) identified in the diabetic group. The radiographic appearance of the atheromas manifested by both groups of individuals, however, was similar, with the lesions located 1.5-2.5 cm inferior-posterior to angle of the mandible. CONCLUSIONS:People with type 2 diabetes have a greater prevalence of calcified atheromas on their panoramic radiographs than do nondiabetics.
Authors: Kazuyuki Yahagi; Frank D Kolodgie; Christoph Lutter; Hiroyoshi Mori; Maria E Romero; Aloke V Finn; Renu Virmani Journal: Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol Date: 2016-12-01 Impact factor: 8.311