CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS AS A MARKER OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the use of Carotid arterial intima-media thickness (IMT)
as non-invasive surrogate end point to measure progression of atherosclerosis.

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at
cardiology department of Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology Multan,
from January 2013 to June 2013. Non-probability convenience sampling
technique was used. Informed consent was taken from each participant. Intima
media thickness was noted in all patients. All relevant baseline data was also
recorded in the proforma.

Results: total of 143 cases of both genders fulfilling inclusion criteria were
registered in this study. Increased intima media thickness ( 1mm) was present
in 107 (74.8%) while it was<1mm in 36 (25.2%) of our study cases. Mean age
was 49.28 ± 6.82. Atheroma was present in 54 (37.7%). Mean IMT value was
also calculated and it was 0.78±0.15 on right side and 0.79±0.23 on the left
side.

Conclusion: Carotid IMT increases with progressive coronary artery disease and
the patients with IMT over 1mmhave a 75% likelihood of having CAD.