Prediction of clinical cardiovascular events with carotid intima-media thickness: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is increasingly used as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis. Its use relies on its ability to predict future clinical cardiovascular end points. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of data to examine this association.


RESULTS
Using a prespecified search strategy, we identified 8 relevant studies and compared study design, measurement protocols, and reported data. We identified sources of heterogeneity between studies. The assumption of a linear relationship between IMT and risk was challenged by use of a graphical technique. To obtain a pooled estimate of the relative risk per IMT difference, we performed a meta-analysis based on random effects models. The age- and sex-adjusted overall estimates of the relative risk of myocardial infarction were 1.26 (95% CI, 1.21 to 1.30) per 1-standard deviation common carotid artery IMT difference and 1.15 (95% CI, 1.12 to 1.17) per 0.10-mm common carotid artery IMT difference. The age- and sex-adjusted relative risks of stroke were 1.32 (95% CI, 1.27 to 1.38) per 1-standard deviation common carotid artery IMT difference and 1.18 (95% CI, 1.16 to 1.21) per 0.10-mm common carotid artery IMT difference. Major sources of heterogeneity were age distribution, carotid segment definition, and IMT measurement protocol. The relationship between IMT and risk was nonlinear, but the linear models fitted relatively well for moderate to high IMT values.


CONCLUSIONS
Carotid IMT is a strong predictor of future vascular events. The relative risk per IMT difference is slightly higher for the end point stroke than for myocardial infarction. In future IMT studies, ultrasound protocols should be aligned with published studies. Data for younger individuals are limited and more studies are required.
Lorenz
Matthias W
MW
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Department for Neurology, Schleusenweg 2-16, D-60528 Frankfurt/Main, Germany. matthias.lorenz@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Markus
Hugh S
HS
Bots
Michiel L
ML
Rosvall
Maria
M
Sitzer
Matthias
M
D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000473:pathology