Increased carotid intima-media thickness is associated with higher SYNTAX score

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) complexity significantly impacts treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
• Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an established marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.
• The relationship between CIMT and the complexity of coronary lesions requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD).
• To determine if CIMT can serve as a predictor for the severity of coronary atherosclerotic lesions.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 360 patients with confirmed CAD underwent coronary angiography.
• Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured for each patient.
• The SYNTAX score (SXscore) was used to quantify CAD complexity.

Main Results:

• A significant univariate correlation was observed between CIMT and SXscore (r = .42, P < .001).
• Multivariate analysis revealed that CIMT (β = .34, P < .001) and age were independently associated with SXscore.
• Factors like hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia, and beta-blocker use also showed correlations with SXscore in univariate analysis.

Conclusions:

• A significant relationship exists between increased CIMT and higher coronary artery disease complexity.
• Elevated CIMT may serve as an indicator of complex coronary artery lesions.
• While correlative, the findings suggest CIMT's potential role in assessing CAD severity.