Coronary atherosclerosis in diabetic subjects: clinical significance, anatomic characteristics, and identification with in vivo imaging.
Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder that promotes the development and progression of atherosclerotic coronary disease. As a consequence, cardiovascular disease is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetics. Early identification and treatment of asymptomatic stages provides the opportunity to prevent cardiovascular end organ complications. Modem clinical imaging modalities allow the assessment of early atherosclerotic changes in coronary arteries; however, prospective evidence that atherosclerosis imaging impacts on clinical outcome is not yet available and future studies are necessary.
Schoenhagen
Paul
P
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Nissen
Steven E
SE
D002114:Calcinosis / Q000473:pathology; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography