Carotid intima-media thickness as an independent predictor of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: A noninvasive technique of measuring carotid artery intima-media thickness has recently generated considerable interest as a marker of atherosclerosis and in the prediction of clinical coronary events and coronary artery disease. The present study evaluated the association of carotid artery intima-media thickness in the prediction of coronary artery disease in a western Indian population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Carotid artery intima-media thickness was measured with a B-mode scan in an ongoing study of 266 patients, who were further subdivided into 4 subgroups: those with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; hypertension; diabetes mellitus with hypertension; and those without diabetes or hypertension (labeled as controls). The maximal intima-media thickness greater than 0.8 mm at the far wall of the common carotid artery, excluding raised lesions and plaques, was selected as the highest value for comparison. The subgroups were further divided into those with and without apparent coronary artery disease. A statistically significant intima-media thickness greater than 0.8 mm was observed in 59.2% of the subjects with coronary artery disease as against 40.8% in those without the disease on univariate analysis. A higher incidence of intima-media thickness of more than 0.8 mm was observed in all subgroups with coronary artery disease as against those without the disease, which was most marked in the hypertensive group (22.2% v. 3.6%) and contributed to the increased arterial thickness in diabetics with concomitant hypertension. Multivariate regression analysis revealed carotid artery intima-media thickness to be associated with coronary artery disease with an odds ratio of 2.40. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid artery intima-media thickness is a simple, noninvasive and reproducible clinical tool to evaluate atherosclerosis and predict coronary artery disease in Indian subjects. Prospective studies in a larger number of subjects, particularly in those undergoing coronary angiography, will help in establishing the role of this technique.     

超声技术综合评价颈动脉粥样硬化与冠心病病变程度的相关性研究

目的 应用超声技术综合评价颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(冠心病)病变程度的相关性.方法 选取颈动脉斑块患者268例,根据其是否患有冠心病,分为冠心病组和非冠心病组,其中冠心病组患者147例,非冠心病组患者121例.超声测量颈动脉内中膜厚度(IMT)、利用血管斑块定量分析(VPQ)软件自动获取颈动脉斑块的相关...     

Family histories of Type II diabetes and hypertension predict intima–media thickness in patients with Type I diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Hyperglycaemia predicts microvascular complications but data on macrovascular disease are limited. We searched for predictors of carotid artery intima-media thickness in young adults with Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A total of 71 children (F/M = 34/37) were followed after their diagnosis until they reached 32 +/- 1 years of age, when duration of diabetes averaged 22 +/- 1 years. Cardiovascular risk markers [lipids, blood pressure, smoking, urinary albumin excretion rate, lifetime glycaemic exposure (A(1c) months), exercise habits, alcohol consumption, family history] were evaluated at age 21 +/- 1 for the baseline examination and at age 32 +/- 1 years for the follow-up examination years. During follow-up, intima-media thickness of common and internal carotid arteries and the carotid bulb were quantitated using a high-resolution B-mode ultrasound. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, age, BMI, blood pressure, lifetime glycaemic exposure, a positive family history of Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease were predictors of carotid intima-media thickness. In multivariate analysis, a positive family history of Type II diabetes predicted maximal ( p< 0.05) and common ( p< 0.005) carotid artery intima-media thickness, family history of hypertension predicted increases in maximal ( p< 0.04), and far wall ( p< 0.006) carotid artery intima-media thickness, and lifetime glycaemic exposure was an independent predictor of increased carotid bulb thickness ( p< 0.03). CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Positive family histories of Type II diabetes and hypertension are independent predictors of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with Type I diabetes, and could therefore predispose these patients to atherosclerosis     

Association of subclinical wall changes of carotid, femoral, and popliteal arteries with obstructive coronary artery disease in patients undergoing coronary angiography

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of occult atherosclerosis of carotid, femoral, and popliteal arteries with the presence and severity of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients without a history or presence of cerebrovascular or peripheral arterial disease using ultrasound examination of peripheral arteries. PATIENTS/METHODS: One hundred eighty-four such individuals underwent routine coronary angiography. Obstructive CAD was found in 103 cases, which comprised the patient group. The remaining 81 individuals comprised the control group. All were blindly examined by duplex ultrasonography in order to assess occult atherosclerosis, as indicated by the estimation of intima-media thickness of the carotid artery (IMTC), intima-media thickness of the femoral artery (IMTF), intima-media thickness of the popliteal artery (IMTP), and ultrasonic biopsy (UB) of the carotid and femoral arteries. For the individuals with positive coronary angiography findings, the severity of CAD was estimated by the number of the diseased vessels. RESULTS: IMTC, IMTF, IMTP, and UB showed significant correlation with the presence of obstructive CAD, but only IMTC and IMTF were independent predictive factors, with specificity of 74% and 60% and sensitivity of 76% and 70%, respectively. Additionally, our analysis yielded a regression model that, for a given value of IMTC and IMTF, may estimate the probability of CAD: p (CAD) = e((- 4.765 + 3.36 IMTC + 1.91 IMTF))/1 + e((- 4.765 + 13.36 IMTC + 1.91 IMTF)). Patients with one-vessel disease had significantly lower IMTC (p < 0.001) and UB (p = 0.011) and lower IMTF (p = 0.057) than those with three-vessel disease. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of occult atherosclerosis by duplex ultrasonography in both the carotid and the femoral arteries is significantly associated with the presence and severity of CAD.     

Can measurement of the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery improve the diagnostic value of exercise stress tests?

OBJECTIVE: The diagnostic value of the exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) for the detection of coronary artery disease is hampered by a high proportion of equivocal results, especially in asymptomatic patients. The intima-media thickness of the carotid artery correlates well with the degree of atherosclerosis, also in other vascular beds, such as the coronary arteries. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether measurements of intima-media thickness can improve the diagnostic value of stress ECG in the detection of coronary artery disease. METHODS: Patients without a history of vascular disease and with equivocal exercise stress ECG results were included. The intima-media thickness was measured with high resolution echography at the posterior wall of the common carotid artery, using an automated edge-tracking method. The diagnosis of coronary artery disease was based on the presence of reversible perfusion defects on exercise MIBI-scintigrams. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients (46 men, 44 women) with a mean age of 53.7 years were included. The MIBI-scintigraphy was positive in 17. There was no difference in mean intima-media thickness between MIBI positive and MIBI negative patients (635.76 +/- 84.56 microm and 643.89 +/- 107.06 microm, respectively, p = 0.8). Using multiple regression analysis, neither intima-media thickness measurements, nor classic risk factors could predict the result of MIBI-scintigraphy. Intima-media thickness was mainly influenced by age and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, neither intima-media thickness measurements, nor classic risk factors could improve the diagnostic value of stress ECG in the detection of coronary artery disease. In case of equivocal stress results, additional cardiovascular imaging techniques remain recommended.     

Carotid intima-media thickness and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in patients with and without coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness and pulse wave velocity are non-invasive markers of atherosclerosis and have been shown to reliably predict presence and extent of atherosclerotic vascular disease. However, studies examining their association with each other have shown inconsistent results. Hence it was sought to assess correlation between carotid intima-media thickness and pulse wave velocity in patients with and without coronary artery disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-four patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease and 84 age-matched individuals without coronary artery disease but having one or more conventional cardiovascular risk factors were included in the study. Individuals with established cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease were excluded from the study. Carotid intima-media thickness of far wall was measured at three predefined sites (distal common carotid, carotid bifurcation and proximal internal carotid artery) on each side. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was measured non-invasively using VP 1000 (Colin Corporation) automated ABI/ PWV analyzer. There was no significant difference in gender and presence of cardiovascular risk factors in the two groups. Mean and maximum carotid intima-media thickness and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity were all significantly higher in coronary artery disease patients as compared to patients without coronary artery disease (0.842 v. ( 0.657 mm, p <0.0001; 1.076 v. 0.795 mm, p <0.0001; 1708.63 v. 1547.26 cm/s, p <0.0004 respectively). There was a significant correlation between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and both mean and maximum carotid intima-media thickness in patients with coronary artery disease (r = 0.47, p <0.0001 and r=0.41, p < 0.0008 respectively) but not in individuals without coronary artery disease (r=0.01 and -0.1 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of significant correlation between carotid intima-media thickness and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in patients with coronary artery disease but absence of the same in individuals without major atherosclerotic vascular disease suggests that the correlation between carotid intima-media thickness and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity becomes stronger with increasing extent of atherosclerosis.     

Flow-dependent vasomotor dysfunction of the popliteal artery related to common carotid artery intima-media thickness

This study was designed to assess a possible correlation between flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the popliteal artery and the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery. Impaired vasodilation is one of early markers of atherosclerosis that has not been studied on the popliteal artery. An increase in intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery is also considered to be an indication of early stages of atherosclerosis. With use of ultrasound, the diameter of the popliteal artery was measured at rest and during reactive hyperemia after 5-minute arterial occlusion. Subsequently, the intima-media thickness was measured in left common carotid arteries in 27 patients with hyperlipidemia, in 10 patients with confirmed coronary artery disease, and in 20 healthy individuals. In healthy individuals, popliteal artery diameter increased by mean of 6.6 +/- 3.5% (p < 0.01) in relation to hyperemia. In patients with hyperlipidemia before therapy and in patients with coronary disease, no increase in diameter occurred (mean, 0.44% and -1.6%, respectively). The difference between healthy individuals and patients was statistically significant at p < 0.001. The popliteal artery seems to respond similarly to the brachial artery. When comparing the change in popliteal artery diameter and intima-media thickness of common carotid arteries, a strong negative correlation (r = -0.5713, p < 0.001) was observed in all subjects.     

Decreased carotid intima-media thickness in patients with coronary artery ectasia compared with patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Although atherosclerosis is supposed to be responsible for more than 50% of coronary artery ectasia, the precise pathology of coronary artery ectasia is not clearly understood. A histopathological examination of ectatic segments has revealed mainly destruction of the media layer of the artery. In the present study, we assessed carotid intima-media thickness and common carotid artery diameter in patients with and without coronary artery ectasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients with coronary artery ectasia and coronary artery disease and 35 age and sex-matched patients with coronary artery disease alone were included in the study. The common carotid artery was studied as the longitudinal plane within 10 mm from the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. The intima-media thickness was measured in the far wall at end-diastole from the B-mode screen to a point within the 10-mm segment proximal to the bifurcation by one investigator blinded to clinical data. RESULTS: No significant differences with respect to age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and smoking habits were observed between the two groups studied. Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery of the patients with coronary artery ectasia was significantly lower than that of the patients with coronary artery disease alone (0.71 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.77 +/- 0.09 mm, respectively, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Decreased intima-media thickness of the carotid artery in patients with coronary artery ectasia and coronary artery disease may have pathogenic mechanisms different from coronary artery disease per se.     

Ankle-brachial index as a predictor of the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease

Resting ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) is a noninvasive method to assess the patency of the lower extremity arterial system. This study aimed to examine the relation between ABI and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis, the extracoronary atherosclerosis lesions, and the prognosis of patients referred for elective coronary angiography. One hundred sixty-five consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography, ultrasound imaging for intima-media thickness measurement of carotid and femoral arteries and ABI evaluation; subjects were followed up for 14.5 +/- 2.4 months. With regard to vascular risk factors, only smoking (p = 0.025) and diabetes (p = 0.01) were related to ABI in the multiple regression analysis. ABI was independently and inversely related to carotid bifurcation (p = 0.0002) and common femoral artery intima-media thickness (p = 0.018). ABI was related to the extent of coronary artery disease as measured by number of coronary arteries diseased (analysis of variance, p = 0.04) and Gensini angiographic score (p = 0.01). In the follow-up study ABI < 0.90 was a univariate predictor of cardiovascular events (cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina) and revascularization procedures. The estimated cumulative rate free of cardiovascular events was 90% for ABI > 0.90 and 73% for ABI < 0.90 (p = 0.02). In logistic regression analysis, ABI < 0.90 was an independent predictor for cardiovascular events after adjustment for age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, carotid and femoral intima-media thickness, and Gensini score. Further adjustment for the confounding effect of insulin weakened the relation between ABI and cardiovascular events (p = 0.1). In conclusion, ABI is a simple index related to the extent of atherosclerosis in coronary and noncoronary arterial beds, reflecting generalized atherosclerosis. ABI could be useful in assessing the risk for cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.     

The association between increased carotid intima–media thickness and SYNTAX Score in coronary artery disease: A single center study

BackgroundCarotid artery lesions frequently coexist with coronary arterial disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the extent of CAD and whether CIMT could be predictive of severity of coronary atherosclerosis.MethodsCoronary angiography and carotid ultrasound evaluations of 100 consecutive patients with CAD who had undergone elective coronary angiography were reviewed. IMT was measured at both carotid arteries. CIMT and severity of CAD relationship based on SYNTAX score was assessed. The relation between CIMT and cardiovascular risk factors was determined.ResultsMean overall SYNTAX score was 15.76 + 4.82. Mean right CIMT was 0.86 ± 0.29 and mean left CIMT was 0.83 ± 0.24. There were no significant correlation between the SYNTAX score and CIMT (r: 10, P: 30). There was significant relationship between hypertension,diabetes and CIMT (P: 0.01).Conclusionwe found no relationship between CIMT and SYNTAX score in patients who underwent coronary angiography. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are related to increased carotid intima-media thickness.     

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Brachial Artery Flow-Mediated Dilatation in Patients with and without Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND, Metabolic syndrome has recently emerged as a marker of future cardiovascular risk. However its incremental value for this purpose, over conventional cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes mellitus in particular, is debated. The present study was conducted to determine the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome, and compare it with the same in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors not having metabolic syndrome. METHODS, A total of 156 individuals seeking outpatient cardiac consultation for various indications were included in the study and were divided into four groups - group 1: cardiovascular risk factors present but not metabolic syndrome (n = 60) : group 2 : metabolic syndrome without diabetes mellitus or coronary artery disease (n = 21) ;group 3: metabolic syndrome with diabetes mellitus without coronary artery disease ( n = 27) ;and group 4:patients with documented coronary artery disease (n = 48). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) criteria. All patients underwent assessment of carotid intima-media thickness and brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation. RESULTS, Both carotid intima-media thickness and brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation were similar in groups 1 and 2 (carotid intima-media thickness: 0.687 -/+ 0.13mm and 0.706 -/+0.23mm, p = 0.963; brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation: 11.80 -/+ 5.16% and 12.87 -/+ 7.04%, respectively, p =0.883) , but group 3 patients had significantly higher carotid intima-media thickness (0.774 +/- 0.15mm, p = 0.047) and significantly lower brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation (7.37 -/+ 6.12%, p -/+ 0.007) as compared to group 1 patients. There was no significant difference in the two parameters between groups 3 and 4 (carotid intima-media thickness in group 4:0.789 -/+ 0.16mm,p = 0.976 and brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation:5.86 -/+ 3.85%, p -/+ 0.709). CONCLUSIONS, In absence of diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome was not associated with greater extent of subclinical atherosclerosis compared to individual cardiovascular risk factors. Presence of diabetes mellitus, however, resulted in significant endothelial dysfunction and evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis, similar to that seen in patients with already established coronary artery disease.     

Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids on progression of atherosclerosis in carotid arteries

OBJECTIVE: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) from fish oil slow atherosclerosis progression in coronary arteries, as we showed in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Embedded in this trial, the present study examined the influence of 2 years of dietary supplementation with 1.65 g omega-3 PUFA per day on progression of carotid atherosclerosis in 223 patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: Coronary angiography, a comprehensive clinical examination, and intima-media thickness measurement by B-mode ultrasound of the carotid arteries (common, internal and bifurcation), were performed at the study start and study end. An expert panel visually evaluated the global change of carotid atherosclerosis on a semiquantitative scale. A second outcome measure was the change of overall mean maximum intima-media thickness. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-one patients completed the study. In the global change score, 38% of the patients in the fish oil group and 35% in the placebo group showed progression. Global change was not different between intervention groups. Mean maximum intima-media thickness increased by 0.07+/-0.13 mm and 0.05+/-0.11 mm in the fish oil and placebo group, respectively (mean+/-S.D., P=0.24). No correlation was found between the change in carotid and coronary arteries. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of selected patients with documented coronary artery disease omega-3 PUFA given for 2 years did not demonstrate an effect on slowing progression of atherosclerosis in carotid arteries as measured by ultrasound.     

The correlation of irregularities in carotid arterial intima-media thickness with coronary artery disease

Noninvasive ultrasonographic assessment of carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) can improve risk stratification for coronary artery disease (CAD) in certain patients. Several measurements have been used to evaluate carotid atherosclerosis by ultrasonography. Although it has been reported that angiographic arterial irregularities correlate with pathologic changes of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, only a few studies have assessed carotid arterial wall irregularity by ultrasonography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the irregularity of IMT quantitatively, and its association with the presence or absence of CAD. The correlation of maximum and mean IMT values, and IMT irregularity with the presence or absence of CAD, was investigated in 90 patients who had undergone coronary angiography. IMT was measured by manual tracking of the far wall of the common carotid arteries, carotid bulbs, and internal carotid arteries. The IMT irregularity was defined as the root mean square (RMS) difference between each IMT and averaged IMT. Multiple logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for coronary risk factors, indicated that the RMS difference was a more accurate predictor of CAD than were the mean or maximum IMT values. These results indicate that the evaluation of IMT irregularity by ultrasonography is a useful predictor for the presence of coronary atherosclerosis. Received: March 13, 2002 / Accepted: June 15, 2002 Acknowledgment We are grateful to Hitachi Medical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, for the computer software used for ultrasonographic measurement of intima-media thickness. Correspondence to T. Ishimitsu     

A rare case of lack of correlation of carotid atherosclerosis and coronary atherosclerosis

Signs of plaque inflammation in carotid arteries may serve as a window to the entire cardiovascular system, to identify “vulnerable” patients. Moreover, flow-mediated vasodilation in the brachial artery and intima media thickness (IMT) in the carotid artery could represent a surrogate diagnostic method for assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) severity. Renal function is an important predictor of the presence and severity of angiographic CAD in patients without severe renal impairment with incremental value over traditional risk factors for CAD and IMT. It has also been reported ,that renal dysfunction may exert differential effects on the development of coronary and peripheral atherosclerosis. An accumulating burden of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking is important in the progression of atherosclerosis from the coronary to the carotid circulation. We present an unusual case of lack of correlation of carotid atherosclerosis and coronary atherosclerosis.     

颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉病变相关性探讨

目的 :探讨颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉病变相关性。方法 :114例冠状动脉造影患者根据病变血管支数分成 4组 :正常组、单支病变组、双支病变组和 3支病变组 ,各组分别进行颈动脉超声检查。结果 :随着冠状动脉病变严重程度的增加 ,颈动脉最大内 中膜的厚度和斑块发生率增加 ,斑块的严重程度也增加。结论 :颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉病变存在较密切的联系 ,颈动脉超声检查能较好地预测冠状动脉粥样硬化的严重程度。     

Endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor: a novel marker of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: Exposure to risk factors such as hypertension or hypercholesterolemia decreases the bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) and impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Recently, a circulating endogenous NO synthase inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), has been detected in human plasma. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma ADMA and atherosclerosis in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Subjects (n=116; age, 52+/-1 years; male:female ratio, 100:16) underwent a complete history and physical examination, determination of serum chemistries and ADMA levels, and duplex scanning of the carotid arteries. These individuals had no symptoms of coronary or peripheral artery disease and were taking no medications. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that plasma levels of ADMA were positively correlated with age (P<0.0001), mean arterial pressure (P<0.0001), and Sigma glucose (an index of glucose tolerance) (P=0.0006). Most intriguingly, stepwise regression analysis revealed that plasma ADMA levels were significantly correlated to the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery (as measured by high-resolution ultrasonography). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that plasma ADMA levels are positively correlated with risk factors for atherosclerosis. Furthermore, plasma ADMA level is significantly correlated with carotid intima-media thickness. Our results suggest that this endogenous antagonist of NO synthase may be a marker of atherosclerosis.     

心血管疾病对高龄老年高血压病患者颈动脉内膜中膜厚度及心率变异性的影响

目的研究多种心血管疾病对高龄老年高血压病患者颈动脉内膜中膜厚度及心率变异性的影响。方法将高龄老年高血压病患者根据合并的其他心血管病分成单纯高血压病组(192例)、高血压病合并冠心病组(152例)、高血压病合并糖尿病组(145例)和高血压病合并冠心病及糖尿病组(184例),检测血脂及其他代谢指标含量,以颈部多普勒超声测定其颈动脉内膜中膜厚度,以动态心电图检测心律失常及心率变异性。结果高血压病合并冠心病及糖尿病组的空腹血糖水平和颈动脉斑块及狭窄的检出率、室性早搏、短阵房性心动过速及缺血性ST-T改变检出率,与前三组相比,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),总胆固醇水平与高血压病合并冠心病组及高血压病合并糖尿病组相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。四组患者的平均心率、夜间心率及心率变异性时域参数比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论高龄老年高血压病患者合并多种心血管疾病时的空腹血糖及血清总胆固醇水平偏高,易发生颈动脉粥样硬化斑块及狭窄,并且心率变异性减低明显。     

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     

Prognostic implications of intima-media thickness and plaques in the carotid and femoral arteries in patients with stable angina pectoris.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonographic assessments of intima-media thickness and plaques in the carotid artery are widely used as surrogate markers for coronary atherosclerosis, but prospective evaluations are scarce and appear to be lacking in patients with coronary artery disease. Ultrasonographic evaluations of femoral vascular changes have not been studied prospectively. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the Angina Prognosis Study in Stockholm (APSIS), 809 patients with stable angina pectoris were studied prospectively during double-blind treatment with verapamil or metoprolol. Ultrasonographic assessments of intima-media thickness, lumen diameter and plaques in the carotid and femoral arteries were evaluated in a subgroup of 558 patients (182 females) with a mean age of 60 +/-7 years, and related to the risk of cardiovascular death (n = 18) or non-fatal myocardial infarction (n = 26), or revascularization (n = 70) during follow-up (median 3.0 years). Univariate Cox regression analyses showed that carotid intima-media thickness and plaques were related to the risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Femoral intima-media thickness was related to cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction, as well as to revascularization, whereas femoral plaques were only related to the latter. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, previous cardiovascular disease and lipid status, carotid intima-media thickness failed to predict any cardiovascular event, whereas carotid plaques tended (P = 0.056) to predict the risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Femoral intima-media thickness (P < 0.01) and plaques (P < 0.05) were also related to the risk of revascularization after adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid and femoral vascular changes were differently related to cardiovascular events. Carotid intima-media thickness was a weak predictor of events, whereas femoral intima-media thickness predicted revascularization. Plaques in the carotid artery were related to cardiovascular death or non-fatal myocardial infarction, whereas plaques in the femoral artery were related to revascularization. Evaluations of plaques provided better prediction than assessments of intima-media thickness in patients with stable angina.     

冠心病血管内皮功能、颈动脉硬化与冠脉病变的关系

目的：观察冠心病（CAD）患者内皮依赖性舒张功能及颈动脉粥样硬化的状况及与冠状动脉病变的相关性。方法：选经冠状动脉造影确诊为CAD的患者106例（观察组），冠状动脉造影证实无冠状动脉狭窄的健康者40例（正常对照组），采用二维超声检测肱动脉内皮依赖性和非依赖性舒张功能及颈动脉粥样硬化病变。颈动脉粥样硬化斑块积分采用Sutton法，并与冠状动脉病变程度进行对比分析。结果：CAD组内皮依赖性血管舒缩功能（FMD）比正常对照组明显降低（P〈0．01），内皮非依赖性血管舒缩功能与正常对照组比较无显著性差异（P〉0．05）；CAD组颈动脉内膜中层厚度（IMT），斑块积分显著高于正常对照组（P〈0．01）。FMD与冠脉病变程度呈负相关（r=-0．651，P〈0．001），颈动脉IMI及斑块积分与冠脉病变程度呈正相关（r=0．871，0．702，P〈0．001）。结论：内皮细胞功能障碍和颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉粥样硬化的病变相平行。