Carotid ultrasound assessment of patients with coronary artery disease: a useful index for risk stratification.
Carotid disease is a common finding in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its presence is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Intima-media thickness provides incremental value over traditional risk factors in predicting cardiovascular events; however, it does not predict the absence of CAD or its extent and severity. The presence of carotid plaques is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with CAD regardless of the treatment strategy (medical therapy alone or myocardial revascularization). Hence, we advocate the screening of patients with diagnosed CAD for carotid atherosclerosis. The prognostic impact of ultrasound characteristics of carotid plaques on cardiovascular outcomes of patients with CAD remains controversial.
Komorovsky
Roman
R
Cardiovascular Research Foundation, S Giacomo Hospital, Castelfranco Veneto, Italy. roman_komor@yahoo.com
Desideri
Alessandro
A
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography