[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.