Background Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is associated with cardiovascular mortality in patients with cardiovascular risks. We sought to evaluate the impact of CIMT on long-term prognosis in patient with coronary atherosclerosis.
Methods Study population consisted of 1764 consecutive patients (mean 64.7±10.1 years old, 956 male) who underwent coronary angiography and carotid artery scanning with high-resolution ultrasound. Study subjects were divided to quartile group according to mean CIMT: 1st quartile 0.65±0.06mm, 2nd quartile 0.77±0.03mm, 3rd quartile 0.87±0.03mm, 4th quartile 1.12±0.21mm.
Results A total of 1296 patients (73.5%) were clinically followed-up for mean 31.4±23.4 months. . 4th quartile group had higher incidence of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia than the 1st and 2nd quartile group, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis, death and myocardial infarction (MI) were higher in 4th quartile group than 1st and 2nd quartile (Log rank 4.04, p=0.044 and Log rank 6.85, p=0.009), respectively. In multiple logistic regression analysis, MI (HR 2.75, 95% CI 1.54-4.92, p=0.001), 4th quartile CMIT (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.07-3.17, p=0.029) and dyslipidemia (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.10-3.37, p=0.021) were independent risk factor of death and MI.
Conclusion An increased CIMT is associated with poor long-term prognosis in patient with coronary atherosclerosis. This study suggests that increased CIMT can be another marker for death or MI in patients with coronary artery disease.
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