A Diagonal Earlobe Crease Heralds Intracranial Carotid Artery Atheroscleroctic Plaques on Cone Beam Images; an Acknowledged Cause of Stroke

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Objectives</h3> An observational study was conducted to determine if neurologically asymptomatic older males demonstrating a diagonal earlobe crease (DELC); a known "risk factor" for future stroke, predicts the presence of petrous/cavernous segment intracranial internal carotid artery calcified atheroscleroctic plaques (IICACAPs) on dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. <h3>Study Design</h3> Two <b>maxillofacial radiologists</b> examined facial photographs determining by consensus the presence of DELC+ among 51 male patients (≥55 years). Masked as to DELC status they then determined by consensus the presence of IICACAPs on CBCT images. Finally they queried each participant as to their atherogenic risk factors. <h3>Results</h3> The study group (DELC+) consisted of 31 males (mean age 69.54 ± 8.46) and the control group (DELC-) 20 males (mean age 66.2 ± 6.78). Among the DELC+ patients 19 (67.85%) evidenced IICACAPs on their CBCT whereas among DELC- patients 9 (32.14%) evidenced IICCAPs. Difference in IICACAPs prevalence rates between groups was statistically significant (p=0.0125) as was a history of hypertension denoted mainly in the DELC+ cohort (p=0.033). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Older, hypertensive men with DELC, are significantly more likely to evidence IICACAPs on their CBCT than are those without a crease.