[Intima-media thickness as a surrogate for subclinical atherosclerosis].
Intima-media thickness (IMT) of extracranial carotid arteries, measured by B-mode sonography, is considered to be a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. It is a fast, inexpensive, noninvasive and pain-free examination, which can be conducted by trained physicians or specialized staff. A positive association between IMT and established risk factors of a coronary heart disease (CHD) and established CHD has been demonstrated in several studies. Population-based trials reported an increased probability of cardio- and cerebrovascular events with increased IMT. Additionally, B-mode ultrasonography detects plaque and vascular stenosis. There is a limited association between both parameters and coronary atherosclerosis, so that severity of atherosclerosis in one vascular territory permits no estimate of plaque burden in another vascular territory.
Klinik für Kardiologie, Westdeutsches Herzzentrum Essen, Universitätsklinik Essen, Essen. marcus.bauer@uk-essen.de
Marcus
M
Bauer
Stefan
S
Möhlenkamp
Raimund
R
Erbel
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*