Carotid intima-media thickness in patients with idiopathic restless legs syndrome
Joong Hyun Park1, Sang Won Han, Jong Sam Baik
1Department of Neurology, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Background:
There have been no studies of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in idiopathic restless legs syndrome (iRLS) patients. The aims of this study were to evaluate the future risk of stroke in iRLS patients using computer software-assisted automated IMT measurement systems.
Methods:
We measured the carotid IMT by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound with Intimascope software in 38 iRLS patients and 64 controls.
Results:
The mean value of the maximum IMT in iRLS patients was significantly lower than that in controls (p < 0.05). In multiple linear regression analysis, younger age and the presence of iRLS remained statistically significant. Younger age or the presence of iRLS was highly correlated with a lower value of the maximum IMT (p < 0.001, p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
We suggest that iRLS patients may have a lower risk of progression of atherosclerosis.
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