[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.
Bauer
Marcus
M
Klinik für Kardiologie, Westdeutsches Herzzentrum Essen, Universitätsklinik Essen, Essen. marcus.bauer@uk-essen.de
Möhlenkamp
Stefan
S
Erbel
Raimund
R
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*