IADR Abstract Archives
Ear Lobe Crease Associated to Panoramic Images Displaying Carotid Atheromas
Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence of diagonal ear lobe crease (DELC) among patients with panoramic images displaying calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAP).
Methods: Panoramic examinations (N=296) of patients over age 40, demonstrating bilaterally, an area of interest, that extended 2.5cm inferior and 2.5cm posterior to the cortical rim of the midpoint of the mandibular angle were analyzed. Two observers reviewed each image in a dark room using light boxes to determine the presence or absence of CCAP in this area of interest. Confounding radiopacities frequently imaged in the area were excluded by their appearance. Patients diagnosed with CCAP were assigned a designation of CCAP+ for unilateral disease and CCAP++ for bilateral disease. To determinate the presence of DELC, they were examined in a dental chair positioned at an angle of least 45 degrees to avoid artifact. The DELC was considered present if there was a unilateral (DELC+) or bilateral (DELC++) downwards oblique wrinkle in the lobule portion of the auricle that extended for a distance of 80% or more of the earlobe length and it measured ≥1mm in depth. A review of each patient’s medical history was undertaken to ascertain evidence of cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors. In addition, a family history of premature cardiovascular disease was obtained.
Results: Approximately 2,0% of patients (N=6), 4 females and 2 males (mean age 66.6±6.6 years SD) evidenced CCAP on their panoramic image. Among the women, 2 evidenced bilateral DELC and among the men 2 demonstrated bilateral creases. Associated risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, for instance, hypertension were confirmed for all patients with DELC.
Conclusions: This research suggests a close association between CCAP on panoramic radiographs and DELC.
Methods: Panoramic examinations (N=296) of patients over age 40, demonstrating bilaterally, an area of interest, that extended 2.5cm inferior and 2.5cm posterior to the cortical rim of the midpoint of the mandibular angle were analyzed. Two observers reviewed each image in a dark room using light boxes to determine the presence or absence of CCAP in this area of interest. Confounding radiopacities frequently imaged in the area were excluded by their appearance. Patients diagnosed with CCAP were assigned a designation of CCAP+ for unilateral disease and CCAP++ for bilateral disease. To determinate the presence of DELC, they were examined in a dental chair positioned at an angle of least 45 degrees to avoid artifact. The DELC was considered present if there was a unilateral (DELC+) or bilateral (DELC++) downwards oblique wrinkle in the lobule portion of the auricle that extended for a distance of 80% or more of the earlobe length and it measured ≥1mm in depth. A review of each patient’s medical history was undertaken to ascertain evidence of cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors. In addition, a family history of premature cardiovascular disease was obtained.
Results: Approximately 2,0% of patients (N=6), 4 females and 2 males (mean age 66.6±6.6 years SD) evidenced CCAP on their panoramic image. Among the women, 2 evidenced bilateral DELC and among the men 2 demonstrated bilateral creases. Associated risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, for instance, hypertension were confirmed for all patients with DELC.
Conclusions: This research suggests a close association between CCAP on panoramic radiographs and DELC.