Diagnostic Agreement between Panoramic and Color Doppler of Carotid Atheroma

Objectives: The aim of this study was to check the agreement between diagnoses of calcified atheroma seen on panoramic radiographs and color Doppler images. Our interest stems from the fact that panoramic images can show the presence of atheroma regardless of the level of obstruction detected by color Doppler. Method: Panoramic and color Doppler images of 16 patients, from the archives of the Health Department of the city of Valença, Brazil, were analyzed in this study. Both sides of each patient were observed on the images, with a total of 32 cervical regions analyzed. The level of agreement between diagnoses was analyzed using the Kappa statistic. Result: There was a high level of agreement, with a Kappa statistic of 0.78. Conclusion: It concluded that panoramic radiographs can help in detecting and preventing cerebrovascular or coronary artery diseases. The dentist, once trained in this area can indicate the necessary steps for his patient to receive correct medical treatment.