Prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas in panoramic radiographs of HIV-positive patients undergoing antiretroviral treatment: a retrospective study

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2014 Jan;117(1):67-74. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.08.022.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) in panoramic radiographs of HIV-positive patients.

Study design: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the presence of CCAA in 300 panoramic radiographs. Qualitative variables were compared using the χ(2) test or Fisher exact test, as needed. The Mann-Whitney or Student t test was used for the quantitative variables.

Results: In the studied group, 8.2% presented CCAA. Among these patients, most used lopinavir/ritonavir (P = .0459), had a greater mean age (P = .0081), and displayed a lower nadir CD4 (P = .0195). The use of lopinavir/ritonavir increased the chances of CCAA by approximately 2.8-fold compared with those who did not use medication (odds ratio, 2.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-6.95; P = .045).

Conclusions: The variables that were associated with the identification of CCAA are compatible with the known atherogenic risk factors in patients with HIV.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Carotid Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Arteries / pathology*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / epidemiology
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / etiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications*
  • HIV Seropositivity / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic / diagnostic imaging
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic / epidemiology
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic / etiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Radiography, Panoramic
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents