Carotid and femoral atherosclerotic lesions in patients with coronary heart disease confirmed by angiography

INTRODUCTION: Clinically evident atherosclerosis is preceded by preclinical changes in the arterial wall. These changes are characterised by increased thickness of the intima-media complex (IMT). AIMS: A complex ultrasound assessment of the peripheral vessels as well as an attempt to find ultrasound parameters correlating with the burden of atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries. METHODS: 231 patients who underwent both coronary angiography and ultrasound examination of the following arteries: common carotid artery (CCA), carotid bulb and common femoral artery (CFA) were enrolled. The IMT value, presence of plaque and Doppler blood flow parameters were evaluated. Selected clinical and biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis were assessed. Two groups of patients were analysed: 200 patients with coronary artery disease confirmed by angiography (study group), and 31 patients with normal coronary arteries (control group). RESULTS: Significantly higher values of the IMT in the peripheral arteries were observed in patients with coronary artery lesions than in those without (CCA - 0.91 vs 0.61 mm, carotid bulb -- 1.31 vs 0.67 mm, CFA -- 1.38 vs 0.63 respectively, p<0.0001). Atherosclerotic plaques were present only in patients with coronary artery disease. Additionally, IMT values of the CCA, carotid bulb and CFA were significantly higher in patients with severe coronary artery disease (three vessel disease) than in patients with lesions in one or two coronary arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with coronary lesions present with increased IMT values and higher plaque occurrence. Complex ultrasound evaluation of different peripheral arteries (CCA, carotid bulb and CFA) may be used as part of the cardiovascular risk stratification.     

Interrelation between the extent of atherosclerosis in the thoracic aorta, carotid intima-media thickness and the extent of coronary artery disease

Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery and atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta have been shown to correlate with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study compares the relation between wall changes in the thoracic aorta and the carotid arteries and the angiographic severity and extent of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries in patients with verified CAD. Atherosclerotic wall changes in the carotid arteries and the thoracic aorta were measured by B-mode ultrasonography and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), respectively, in 37 subjects aged 65+/-10 years with angiographically verified CAD. The mean value of the common carotid IMT of the right and left sides was 0.87+/-0.21 mm. All subjects had carotid plaques. TEE detected grades II-IV atherosclerotic plaques in the thoracic aorta in 32 of the 37 (86%) patients. A significant correlation was seen between the extent of coronary artery stenosis and aortic plaques score (r=0.46, p=0.008). Mean carotid IMT was also significantly correlated with coronary artery stenosis extent score (r=0.44, p=0.007). Moreover, a significant correlation was seen between the aortic plaque score and the mean carotid IMT (r=0.39, p=0.02). In conclusion, we found a clear and significant relationship between wall changes in the thoracic aorta, common carotid IMT and the angiographic extent of coronary artery stenosis in patients with severe CAD. These findings indicate a potential of B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid arteries and transesophageal echocardiographic aortic examination in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of patients with suspected CAD.     

Atherosclerotic changes of extracoronary arteries are associated with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between carotid and femoral artery intima media thickness (IMT) and the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as the effects of traditional vascular risk factors on the atherosclerotic changes in the carotid and femoral arteries. Two hundred twenty-four patients who underwent coronary angiography for suspected CAD were evaluated by B-mode ultrasound imaging of the common carotid, internal carotid, carotid bifurcation, and femoral artery for measurement of IMT; traditional vascular risk factors were also evaluated in these patients. CAD extent was evaluated by the number of diseased vessels and by Gensini score. Age, male gender, and diabetes were common risk factors for higher CAD extent and higher carotid and femoral IMT. Insulin levels were correlated with femoral IMT and CAD extent, whereas blood lipids were correlated predominantly with carotid IMT. IMT from carotid and femoral arteries increased significantly with an increase in CAD extent. Using multiple stepwise regression analysis, the following parameters were found to be independent predictors of CAD extent: male gender (p<0.0001), common femoral artery IMT (p = 0.0028), common carotid artery IMT (p = 0.015), age (p = 0.02), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.035), and carotid artery bulb IMT (p = 0.04). Common femoral IMT was the only independent parameter for predicting Gensini score (p<0.0001). In conclusion, there are territorial differences in the various arterial beds regarding their response to risk factors. Femoral artery and carotid bulb are independent predictors of CAD extent and the inclusion of these measurements would add information to that provided by the common carotid artery.     

The presence of a calcific plaque in the common carotid artery as a predictor of coronary atherosclerosis

Many contradictory reports have been published investigating the relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and the increased intima-media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid artery (CCA). However, only a limited number of studies evaluate the relationship between CAD and CCA disease as reflected by both the plaque morphology (fibrous and calcific plaques) and IMT. We have studied the associations between CAD and the wall morphology of CCA by B-mode ultrasound (US). One hundred and forty-four subjects, whose angiography was planned on the basis of suspected CAD, were included into the study. The patients were divided into 4 groups on the basis of B-mode US findings; Group I: normal, Group II: increased IMT (IMT >/= 0.8 mm and plaque absent), Group III: fibrous plaque, Group IV: calcific plaque. Coronary artery disease was diagnosed in 63 patients. A statistically significant correlation was found between CAD and CCA wall morphology (r =0.42, CI (95%) = 0.30-0.51, p<0.001). Positive predictive values were 45.0%, 48.4%, and 75.0% in patients with increased IMT, fibrous plaque, and calcific plaque, respectively. None of the women with normal CCA wall morphology had significant coronary artery lesion. With respect to the normal group, the risk for CAD increased by 4.3 fold with the existence of fibrous plaque (p=0.02) and by 9.9 fold with the existence of calcific plaque (p<0.001). It has been shown that the CCA wall morphology determined by B-mode US is correlated with CAD in patients with chest pain, and the presence of calcific plaque is a better predictor for CAD than that of fibrous plaque and increased IMT. Women with chest pain and normal CCA wall morphology may not need coronary angiography.     

Morphologic rather than functional or mechanical sonographic parameters of the brachial artery are related to angiographically evident coronary atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among coronary atherosclerosis and functional, morphologic, and mechanical parameters assessed noninvasively within the brachial artery (BA). BACKGROUND: Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the BA, intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery, and distensibility of the aorta have been correlated with the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: The BA was examined with high-resolution ultrasound (13 MHz) in 117 male patients, in whom coronary angiography was performed. Coronary artery disease (> or =30% diameter stenosis in > or =1 major branch) was found in 84 patients, and 33 patients had smooth coronary arteries (non-CAD). Wall cross-sectional area (WCSA) was calculated from resting diameter and IMT. RESULTS: The BA-WCSA (5.3 +/- 1.5 mm(2) vs. 4.4 +/- 1.4 mm(2), p = 0.002) and IMT (0.37 +/- 0.07 mm vs. 0.31 +/- 0.07 mm, p < 0.001) were significantly greater in patients with CAD compared with non-CAD patients. Flow-mediated vasodilation and distensibility were similar among groups. Using logistic regression analyses adjusting for age, positive family history, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, FMD, and distensibility, only WCSA (p < 0.01) and IMT (p < 0.001) correlated independently with the presence of CAD. CONCLUSIONS: Morphologic but not functional and mechanical parameters of the BA are associated with the presence of CAD. Among BA sonographic parameters, IMT and WCSA seem to be the most accurate ones for the estimation of coronary atherosclerotic risk.     

Clinical implications of carotid artery remodeling in acute coronary syndrome: ultrasonographic assessment of positive remodeling

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between ultrasonographic features of the carotid artery and the angiographic features of coronary plaques in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). BACKGROUND: The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) may be a marker of advanced coronary artery disease. METHODS: Consecutive ACS patients (N = 125) underwent B-mode ultrasonography within one week of the acute coronary event. Using a 7.5-MHz linear array transducer, the common carotid IMT, interadventitial diameter, and luminal diameter were examined. Carotid plaques were also assessed. Then patients were divided into two groups based on the number of complex plaques identified by coronary angiography. RESULTS: The carotid IMT of 75 patients with multiple complex coronary plaques was significantly larger than that of 50 patients with solitary plaques (p < 0.0003). The prevalence of soft and hard carotid plaques was higher in the group with multiple coronary plaques than in those with single plaques (28% vs. 12%, p < 0.04 and 13% vs. 0%, p < 0.008, respectively). Additionally, the carotid interadventitial diameter was larger in the patients with multiple plaques than in those with single plaques (7.93 +/- 0.97 mm vs. 7.48 +/- 0.88 mm, p < 0.01), and a significant correlation was observed between the carotid IMT and interadventitial diameter (R = 0.54, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In ACS, multiple complex coronary plaques are associated with positive carotid remodeling, suggesting that plaque vulnerability may be a systemic phenomenon.     

高频超声评价颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉病变的关系

目的利用高频超声检测颈动脉内中膜厚度(IMT)、斑块形成情况,并与冠状动脉(冠脉)病变程度的关系进行分析。方法应用ASPEN彩色多普勒超声诊断仪,对428例健康人(对照组)及89例冠心病患者(冠心病组)进行颈动脉IMT、斑块形成的检测。冠心病组患者以冠脉病变支数分为3个亚组。结果冠心病组患者颈动脉IMT为(1.19±0.14)mm,而对照组为(0.92±0.13)mm,(P<0.01);IMT增厚检出率及斑块形成检出率冠心病组为43.21%、74.65%,而对照组为14.49%、34.35%,(P<0.01)。1支冠脉病变组IMT为(1.00±0.014)mm,斑块形成检出率为42.86%;2支冠脉病变组IMT为(1.15±0.018)mm,斑块形成检出率为65.52%;3支及以上冠脉病变组IMT为(1.31±0.018)mm,斑块形成检出率为74.49%,(P<0.01)。结论颈动脉IMT增厚、斑块形成对冠心病具有预测价值;颈动脉IMT增厚、斑块形成与冠脉病变严重程度呈正相关。     

Usefulness of carotid intima-media thickness measurement and peripheral B-mode ultrasound scan in the clinical screening of patients with coronary artery disease

Previous observational studies have shown a relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study the authors evaluated the accuracy of the common carotid IMT measurement in predicting the presence and severity of CAD and the additional information offered by the detection of carotid, iliac, and lower limb plaques. One hundred and fifty consecutive patients were subjected to coronary angiography and carotid, iliac, and lower limb ultrasound scan. The mean value of six IMT measurements of the far wall of the common carotid artery was calculated in each patient. The mean IMT was significantly correlated to the number of stenosed coronary vessels (r = 0.43, p<0.001), although the positive and negative predictive value of mean IMT in identifying patients with CAD was low (81% and 46%, respectively). The combined information offered by IMT measurements and peripheral (carotid, iliac, and lower limb) plaque detection was then used to obtain the best multivariate regression model able to predict CAD status. The multivariate model showed a highly significant multiple correlation coefficient (r = 0.60, p<0.0001) and a sharp improvement in the negative predictive value (92%) with respect to the univariable model. B-mode ultrasound scan including common carotid IMT measurement and peripheral plaque detection may be of clinical value in the screening of patients with CAD.     

颈动脉粥样硬化与冠心病关系的研究

目的:研究颈动脉粥样硬化与冠心病的关系。方法:对301例冠状动脉造影的患者作双侧颈动脉超声检查,根据冠脉造影结果分为正常组及冠心病组,冠心病组根据冠状动脉病变支数再分为一支病变组,二支病变组,三支病变组3个亚组。测量颈总动脉后壁内中膜厚度(IMT),斑块厚度,计算斑块积分及粥样斑块发生率。结果:(1)冠心病组IMT,斑块积分及斑块发生率明显高于正常对照组(P<0.01)。(2)随冠脉病变支数增加,斑块积分及IMT增加,亚组比较有显著性差异(P<0.01)。(3)以IMT>0.85mm和(或)出现粥样斑块预测冠心病,特异性75.3％,敏感性84.6％,阳性预测率88.4％。结论:通过颈动脉超声检查可为冠心病的诊断提供依据。     

老年女性冠心病患者颈动脉粥样硬化和血管内皮依赖性舒张功能的探讨

目的　观察老年女性冠心病患者颈动脉内中膜厚度 (IMT)、粥样斑块发生率及肱动脉内皮依赖性舒张功能的情况。方法　用高分辨超声技术对 89例老年女性行肱动脉血流介导的舒张功能 (FMD)、IMT及颈动脉粥样斑块的检测。结果　老年女性冠心病组FMD较对照组明显减弱 ,分别为 (3.5± 3.1) %及 (7.6± 3.5 ) % ,P <0 .0 0 1,老年女性冠心病组及对照组IMT分别为 (0 .88± 0 .2 0 )mm及 (0 .6 5± 0 .2 3)mm ,颈动脉粥样斑块发生率分别为 6 2 .2 %及11.4 % ,两组比较差异具有显著性意义 ,P <0 .0 0 1。结论　老年女性冠心病患者存在着严重的血管内皮依赖性舒张功能障碍以及颈动脉粥样硬化 ,颈动脉B超及肱动脉血流介导的舒张功能对老年女性冠心病患者有一定的预测价值。     

超声测量颈动脉内膜中层厚度与颈动脉斑块的关系

为了探讨颈动脉内膜中层厚度与局限性颈动脉斑块的联系 ,对 91名受试对象的颈总动脉内膜中层厚度及颈内动脉和颈动脉分叉处的斑块进行超声检测 ,并将颈动脉内膜中层厚度进行分级。结果观察到有斑块者较无斑块者其颈动脉内膜中层厚度明显增加 ( 0 .83± 0 .16mm比 0 .6 4± 0 .12mm ,P <0 .0 1) ,且随斑块的严重程度增加 ,其内膜中层厚度呈增厚趋势。该结果支持颈总动脉内膜中层厚度与颈动脉局限性动脉粥样硬化斑块明显相关 ,提示颈动脉内膜中层厚度增厚可能是颈动脉粥样硬化的早期表现     

Significance of the intima-media thickness of the thoracic aorta in patients with coronary atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and clinical significance of atherosclerotic aortic disease have now been documented in a variety of patient populations by use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). There are many reports that atherosclerotic aortic plaques detected by TEE are a marker for coronary artery disease (CAD). HYPOTHESIS: The study was undertaken to evaluate the significance of the intima-media thickness (IMT) and formation of atherosclerotic plaques of the thoracic aorta (TA) in patients with CAD, especially in terms of a correlation between the IMT of the TA and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS: The IMT of the TA was measured using TEE. The study population comprised 100 patients (68 men, mean age 59 years). The extent of coronary atherosclerosis was divided into four groups (0, 1, 2, 3) according to the number of coronary arteries narrowed > or = 50%. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the IMT of the ascending TA according to the presence of significant (> 50% narrowed) coronary stenosis, but there was a significant difference in the IMT of the descending TA (1.39 vs. 1.88 mm, p = 0.005). There was a significant correlation between the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and the IMT of the ascending and descending TA (r = 0.24, p < 0.05; r = 0.352, p < 0.001, respectively). The plaques in the TA were seen in 7, 41, 52, and 65% of patients in Groups 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Among atherosclerosis risk factors, hyperlipidemia was the only factor analyzed that affected the IMT of the descending TA (2.11 vs. 1.78 mm, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The IMT of the TA correlates significantly with coronary atherosclerosis, and correlation of the descending TA IMT with coronary atherosclerosis is better than that of ascending TA IMT. Age is associated with coronary atherosclerosis, and TA IMT and hyperlipidemia are associated with descending TA IMT. Therefore, although TEE is not recommended for measuring TA IMT or for evaluating aortic plaques in patients with CAD, measurement of TA IMT as well as carotid artery IMT is very helpful for understanding the extent of coronary atherosclerosis.     

Peripheral atherosclerosis is associated with the occurrence of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to evaluate, in patients with proven coronary artery disease (CAD) and treated with elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), whether the coexistence of asymptomatic carotid and femoral atherosclerotic lesions would provide prognostic information in terms of occurrence of restenosis. METHODS: We studied 104 patients with CAD (M/F=77/27), mean age 60.5+/-9 years. All patients were treated with elective PCI. After PCI the suspicion of restenosis was confirmed by coronary angiography. All patients underwent ultrasound duplex scan of carotid and femoral-popliteal-tibial axis to detect atherosclerotic lesions. According to ultrasound results, patients were classified as normal, with increased intima-media thickness (IMT) or with asymptomatic plaque (AP). If carotid and femoral lesions coexisted (together with coronary ones) patients were considered to have multifocal atherosclerosis. RESULTS: About 90% of the patients had carotid lesions: 40% had carotid IMT and 50% AP. Femoral lesions were found in 72% of the population and in 41% there was an increased IMT and in 21% an increased AP. Prevalence of restenosis after PCI was 12.5%. Patients with restenosis had a significantly higher prevalence of asymptomatic carotid and/or femoral lesions than those without restenosis. The occurrence of restenosis was independently associated with the detection of carotid, femoral and multifocal atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: The detection of carotid and/or peripheral atherosclerotic lesions in patients with CAD who underwent PCI may be a marker of increased risk. We believe that investigating these areas, by echo-Doppler duplex scanning, may be a cost-effective strategy in the work-up before elective PCI. It may allow identification of high-risk subgroups of patients, and enable the planning of patient-tailored therapeutic strategies and follow-up.     

Comparison of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with stable angina pectoris versus patients with acute coronary syndrome

In this study, we found that carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was significantly increased and carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques were detected more frequently in patients who had early-onset coronary artery disease compared with control subjects (0.73 +/- 0.10 vs 0.60 +/- 0.10 mm, p <0.001, and 40% vs 11%, p <0.001, respectively). Further, patients who had coronary artery disease and presented with an acute coronary syndrome were found to have significantly increased carotid IMT compared with patients who had stable angina pectoris (0.76 +/- 0.10 vs 0.70 +/- 0.10 mm, p <0.05). The IMT was greater in the patients who had acute coronary syndrome than in those who had stable angina pectoris.     

Comparison of atherosclerotic plaque by computed tomography angiography in patients with and without diabetes mellitus and with known or suspected coronary artery disease

The aim of this study was to compare coronary artery plaque burden, composition, distribution, and the degree of coronary artery stenosis in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). The study group consisted of 594 patients with known or suspected CAD, including 122 diabetics, who underwent multidetector computed tomographic coronary angiography and traditional invasive coronary artery angiography. Coronary artery calcium scores were compared in different age subgroups. Noncalcified plaque, calcified plaque, and mixed plaque were analyzed by coronary segment on computed tomographic coronary angiography, as well as the degree of coronary stenosis on coronary artery angiography. Obstructive vessels were compared between the 2 groups. Total coronary artery calcium score was higher in patients with diabetes compared to those without (378.4 ± 613.0 vs 226.0 ± 408.4, p = 0.003). The percentage of patients with coronary artery calcium scores >400 among diabetics (22.1%) was higher than among nondiabetics (14.2%) (p = 0.032). Diabetics had a higher percentage of coronary segments with noncalcified plaque, calcified plaque, and mixed plaque than nondiabetics (35.3% vs 26.2%, p <0.001; 17.5% vs 11.6%, p = 0.017; and 9.8% vs 7.9%, p = 0.008). More diabetics had multivessel obstructive disease compared to nondiabetics (p <0.05). With longer duration of diabetes mellitus, the stenosed segments of coronary arteries increased accordingly. In conclusion, diabetics have more atherosclerotic plaque burden and more severe coronary atherosclerosis than nondiabetics. Most obstructive lesions were caused by mixed plaques in diabetics and nondiabetics.     

老年患者颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉病变的相关性

目的　评价老年患者颈动脉与冠状动脉粥样硬化的相关性。方法　对 81例接受冠状动脉造影检查的老年患者进行颈动脉超声检测。结果　冠心病患者颈动脉内膜中层厚度 (IMT)值较对照组明显增大。随冠状动脉病变加重 ,斑块的严重程度增加 ,内膜中层厚度呈增厚趋势。颈总动脉IMT与改良Gensini评分呈正相关。结论　老年患者颈动脉与冠脉粥样硬化之间存在较密切的联系     

Gender differences in carotid intima-media thickness in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

Selecting patients who have suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) for coronary angiography remains difficult in some subgroups (e.g., women have often atypical symptoms and false-positive findings on noninvasive tests). This study evaluated gender differences and the clinical value of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in predicting CAD. We evaluated 558 patients who had symptoms and underwent coronary angiography: 91 women (61.2 +/- 9.5 years of age) had CAD (> or =1 lesion with a decrease >50% in luminal diameter of a coronary artery), 29 women (57.9 +/- 7.0 years of age) did not have CAD, 372 men (58.9 +/- 9.2 years of age) had CAD, and 66 men (54.6 +/- 8.7 years of age) did not have CAD. Maximal IMT was assessed bilaterally at the common carotid, bulb, and internal carotid arteries and expressed as mean IMT for each patient. Among patients who did not have CAD, women had lower mean IMT values than men (0.93 +/- 0.15 vs 1.05 +/- 0.19, p < 0.001). This gender difference was not seen in patients who had CAD (1.3 +/- 0.31 vs 1.31 +/- 0.31, p = 0.92). Among women and men, those with CAD had larger IMT values than those without CAD. Multivariable regression analysis showed that age, CAD, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes had the strongest effect on IMT values in women and men. Receiver-operator characteristic analysis showed that women had a significantly lower IMT threshold for likelihood of CAD (p < 0.001) and that a mean IMT of 1.069 mm was highly predictive of concomitant CAD (sensitivity 79%, specificity 90%, positive predictive value 96%); for men, the mean IMT threshold was 1.153 mm (sensitivity 66%, specificity 74%, positive predictive value 93%). In conclusion, carotid IMT assessment may be a valuable tool in selecting patients for coronary angiography to predict the likelihood of CAD. This particularly concerns women in whom sensitivity and specificity of mean IMT are high.     

Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery is the significant predictor of angiographically proven coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a relationship between intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery and coronary artery disease (CAD). The role of IMT in the prediction of significant CAD has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of IMT measurement and the detection of carotid plaques in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in the prediction of significant CAD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy patients (121 men and 49 women; average age 58 +/- 11 years) undergoing selective coronary angiography were examined by carotid ultrasound. IMT was measured. Plasma lipid concentrations and other risk factors were determined. RESULTS: Angiographically proven significant CAD was found in 138 (81%) of all patients. Carotid plaques were detected in 98 (58%) of all patients. Presence of carotid plaques in common carotid artery (P<0.001) and male sex (P<0.005) were found to be categorical risk factors for significant CAD but in multiple regression analysis only age (P=0.15), IMT (P<0.01), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P=0.02) and, less significantly, total cholesterol (P=0.09) were found to be independent parameters for the prediction of significant CAD. IMT of 0.75 mm was determined as a cut-off point for the detection of significant CAD (sensitivity 78%, specificity 79%, positive predictive value 95%, negative predictive value 41%, odds ratio 12.9, 95% CI 3.5 to 47.6). CONCLUSION: The increase in IMT is the significant positive predictor of angiographically proven CAD; other predictors are high age, low HDL cholesterol and, less significantly, high total cholesterol. Presence of carotid plaques and male sex do not add any new information for the prediction of CAD once the predictors are considered.     

Ultrasound screening of multifocal atherosclerosis: markers for coronary heart disease

Background and Objective The frequency of multifocal atherosclerosis (MFA) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) has not been thoroughly studied. The purpose of our study was to perform ultrasound screening for MFA in patients with coronary atherosclerosis and make evaluation of the sensitivity and significance of different atherosclerosis markers. Methods Using Color Dupplex Ultrasound (CDU), we studied 32 clinically healthy persons and 87 patients of the city of B with clinical data for CHD where we also performed coronarography. Results In patients with coronary atherosclerosis we found high frequency of carotid atherosclerosis (93%) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) (81%). We established verifiable thickening of the intima-media (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) and common femoral artery (CFA) in patients with CHD. There is a correlation between the frequency of carotid and femoral stenoses and CHD proven by coronarography. Patients with CHD had a high relative risk to develop carotid (RR = 5) and peripheral atherosclerosis (RR=3.5) and high frequency of asymptomatic stenoses and thromboses of the internal carotid artery (86.9%) and femoral artery (78.3%), as well as aneurisms of the abdominal aorta (8.1%). Markers for CAD with high sensitivity were the atherosclerotic plaques of ICA (0.93) and CFA (0.81) as well as IMT of the CFA (0.84). Conclusions MFA are common among patients with CHD. Ultrasound diagnosis is the method of choice for simultaneous non-invasive screening of carotid, peripheral and MFA and provides sensitive markers for coronary atherosclerosis. The most sensitive and specific markers for CHD are the combination of the IMT and atherosclerotic plaques of CCA, ICA and CFA (100% sensitivity and 0.92 specificity).     

颈动脉内-中膜厚度检测在老年冠心病患者冠状动脉病变中的预测价值

目的 采用彩色多普勒超声检测老年冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病（冠心病）患者颈动脉内-中膜厚度（intima-media thickness,IMT）,探讨其在老年患者冠状动脉病变中的预测价值.方法 选择拟诊为冠心病的老年患者121例,按冠状动脉造影结果分组.按冠状动脉狭窄程度分组：阴性对照组（冠状动脉狭窄＜50％）;50％≤冠状动脉狭窄＜70％组;冠状动脉狭窄≥70％组.按累及冠状动脉病变支数分组：阴性对照组（冠状动脉狭窄＜50％）;单支病变组（仅1支冠状动脉狭窄≥50％）;2支病变组（2支冠状动脉狭窄≥50％）;多支病变组（3支及以上的冠状动脉狭窄≥50％）.彩色多普勒超声仪测量颈动脉IMT,对不同冠状动脉病变组的颈动脉IMT、斑块发生率进行比较分析.结果 阴性对照组、50％≤冠状动脉狭窄＜70％组和冠状动脉狭窄≥70％组IMT分别为（0.80±0.22） mm、（0.98±0.17）mm和（1.01±0.25）mm;颈动脉斑块检出率分别为35.0％、94.8％和83.7％.不同冠状动脉狭窄程度组的颈动脉IMT、斑块发生率均显著高于阴性对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;但不同冠状动脉狭窄程度组各组之间颈动脉IMT、斑块发生率比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.阴性对照组、单支病变组、二支病变组和三支病变组颈动脉IMT分别为（0.80±0.22）mm、（0.96±0.15）mm、（0.98±0.17）mm和（1.00±0.15）mm;颈动脉斑块检出率分别为35.0％、84.0％、86.7％和83.9％.不同冠状动脉病变支数组的颈动脉IMT、斑块发生率均显著高于阴性对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;但不同冠状动脉病变支数各组之间颈动脉IMT、斑块发生率比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 彩色多普勒超声测量颈动脉IMT对冠心病有着重要的预测作用,可望为老年冠心病高危人群筛选提供新的临床手段.