Supplementary role of panoramic radiographs in the medical surveillance of a patient at risk for stroke.

: Panoramic radiography is commonly used by dentists as a diagnostic tool. The known prevalence range of positive incidental carotid artery calcifications in the general dental population is 2% to 5%, with a population older than 55 representing the higher end of the range. Dentists are expected to identify medical conditions while providing dental care and to refer patients for follow-up medical care. In this case report, incidental carotid artery calcifications were identified on routine panoramic radiographs obtained for oral health reasons. A 69-year-old white man who was under surveillance for carotid stenosis and risk for stroke had a routine panoramic radiograph made for oral health reasons. Positive carotid calcification findings on a panoramic radiograph were found to be in accord with a subsequent duplex ultrasound examination.