incidence of carotid atheroma in patients received radiotherapy in neck field-a case series study

Introduction: atheroma is a condition that affects various blood vessels, primarily forming at junctions of moderate to large vessels, such as the carotid artery, where it is known as carotid atheroma (ca). atheroma can lead to myocardial infarction or stroke. previous studies have shown that head and neck radiotherapy can induce ca, even in young patients. early diagnosis of atheroma in panoramic views can help prevent ischemic attacks in the brain and potentially save lives. case presentation: thirty-six patients were referred to semnan dental school for dental screening by a hematologist-oncologist. an oral medicine specialist ordered panoramic radiographs for each patient, and radiopaque lesions were detected in the para-spinal region in four patients. these lesions were diagnosed as carotid atheroma by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, and this case series was reported. conclusions: radiotherapy is a component of treatment for head and neck malignancies and can cause atherosclerosis in carotid junctions. dentists should monitor panoramic views of patients receiving radiotherapy for any signs of suspicious lesions. if carotid atheroma is detected, the patient should be referred to a cardiovascular specialist for further evaluation and treatment.