Association between gallstone disease and carotid intima-media thickness: a prospective observational cross-sectional
Lokendra Thapa1, Shailendra Katwal2, Bikash Raj Thapa1
1Department of Radiology, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu.
Insights
Gallstone disease is linked to increased carotid intima-media thickness, a marker for atherosclerosis. This suggests gallstones may raise cardiovascular disease risk, warranting further screening and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gallstone disease (GD) is common globally, with known links to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a key indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between gallstone disease and CIMT.
- To assess CIMT as a marker for atherosclerosis in gallstone disease patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational cross-sectional study with 96 participants (48 GD, 48 controls).
- Utilized abdominal and carotid ultrasonography for gallstone detection and CIMT measurement.
- Demographic data and BMI were collected; statistical analysis performed using SPSS.
Main Results:
- Patients with gallstone disease exhibited significantly higher CIMT compared to controls (P<0.001).
- CIMT showed a positive correlation with age (r=0.450) and BMI (r=0.550).
- A large effect size (Cohen's d=1.47) indicated a clinically significant difference in CIMT.
Conclusions:
- Gallstone disease is significantly associated with elevated CIMT, suggesting a link to increased carotid atherosclerosis risk.
- Findings underscore the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment in GD patients.
- Carotid ultrasonography may serve as a valuable non-invasive screening tool for atherosclerosis in this population.
Background And Objectives:
Gallstone disease (GD) is a prevalent health issue globally, particularly in developed nations, and has notable associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This prospective observational cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between gallstone disease and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a marker of carotid atherosclerosis, in a tertiary care setting.
Method:
Conducted at a tertiary care center, the study included 96 participants (48 with gallstone disease and 48 age and sex-matched controls). Data collection involved demographic information, BMI calculation, abdominal ultrasonography for gallstone detection, and carotid ultrasonography for CIMT measurement. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.
Results:
The study revealed higher CIMT values in GD patients compared to controls (P<0.001). Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between CIMT and age (r=0.450, P<0.001) and BMI (r=0.550, P<0.001). The Cohen's d-test indicated a clinically significant difference in CIMT between GD patients and controls (d=1.47).
Conclusion:
This study revealed a significant association between gallstone disease and elevated CIMT, correlating with higher BMI indicating a potential link between gallstone disease and increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis. These findings highlight the importance of assessing cardiovascular risk in patients with gallstone disease, highlighting the potential utility of carotid ultrasonography as a non-invasive screening tool. Early intervention strategies may be warranted to mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with gallstone disease.
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