Coexistence between carotid artery stenosis and colorectal adenomatous polyps in middle-aged men.
BACKGROUND
Colorectal neoplasia and cardiovascular disease appear to share common risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the association between the thickness of the intima-media complex (IMT) or carotid artery stenosis (CAS) on carotid artery ultrasonography and the presence of colorectal adenomas in middle-aged asymptomatic men.


METHODS
This study was conducted among 1,877 asymptomatic male subjects, 40-59 years, who underwent both carotid artery ultrasonography and colonoscopy for routine health examination. Clinical information was collected from a standardized questionnaire, physical examination and blood tests.


RESULTS
The prevalence of overall colorectal adenomatous polyps (APs) was 31.4% (591/1,877). The subjects were divided into two groups according to the presence of APs in the colorectum. The prevalence of IMT >or=10 mm was significantly higher in the subjects with CAS than in those without CAS (10.1 vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001). CAS was more prevalent in the AP-positive group than in the AP-negative group (40.5 vs. 30.2%, p = 0.001). Moreover, CAS was more prevalent in the advanced AP-positive group than in the advanced AP-negative group (15.2 vs. 8.2%, p = 0.048).


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that there is a relationship between colorectal AP and CAS, probably due to common risk factors.
Kim
Beom Jin
BJ
Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
Jin Yong
JY
Chang
Dong Kyung
DK
Son
Hee Jung
HJ
Rhee
Poong-Lyul
PL
Kim
Jae J
JJ
Rhee
Jong Chul
JC
Choe
Yeon Hyeon
YH
Choi
Yoon-Ho
YH
Shim
Sang Goon
SG
Kim
Young-Ho
YH
D018256:Adenomatous Polyps / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography