Summary:
Aim:
The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether periodontal disease is
associated with the instability of carotid plaques as indicated by ultrasound
and histopathologic markers.
Material and method:
The study consisted of 70 patients that underwent surgery for carotid artery
stenosis at “Red Cross” Hospital in Athens. Prior to surgery symptomatic
plaques were recorded and patients were examined with ultrasound for plaque
stability and histopathologic bay CD-68 and a-SMA markers. Additionally,
patients received full mouth periodontal examination including measurements of
attachment loss (AL), probing pocket depth (PPD) and periodontal inflamed
surface area (PISA). Statistical analysis was performed using the X2 test.
Result:
Instable carotid plaque, as diagnosed based to GSM, CD-68 and α-SMA markers, is
related to increased values of probing pocket depth - PPD, attachment loss -
AL, bleeding during control - BoP, periodontal inflamed surface area - PISA and
the presence of periodontitis (PERIO1).
Conclusion:
Periodontitis is related to instable carotid plaque and can be considered as an
indepented factor to symptomatic carotid disease.
Keywords:
Atherosclerosis, Periodontal disease, Carotid plaque, CD-68, a-SMA
