Evaluation of a training program for detection of carotid artery calcifications on panoramic radiographs.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology-sponsored training packet for identification of carotid artery calcifications on panoramic radiographs.

Study Design: Two examiners, who completed the training (trainees), examined 778 panoramic radiographs. The sample included 298 men, with a mean age of 66, and 480 women, with a mean age of 68.

Carotid calcifications on panoramic radiography identify an asymptomatic male patient at risk for stroke. A case report.

Although stroke may be preventable, a major challenge is to find effective methods of detection of stroke-prone patients. Most noncardiogenic strokes occur as a result of atherosclerosis involving the proximal internal carotid artery, calcifications of which can be detected on dental panoramic radiography. This report describes the case of an asymptomatic patient whose dental radiographic findings led to carotid endarterectomy.

Infection due to Clostridium difficile among elderly residents of a long-term-care facility.

In a study of the epidemiology of infection due to Clostridium difficile at long-term-care facilities, we conducted point-prevalence surveys and obtained stool samples from residents receiving antibiotics and from those developing diarrhea during 1 year at a 350-bed nursing home and an adjoining 280-bed chronic-care hospital. C. difficile and/or its cytotoxin was detected in 236 specimens from 94 residents.