Linking serum lipid profiles to carotid artery calcifications: a computed tomography based investigation

This study aimed to investigate the association between serum lipid parameters and carotid artery calcifications (CACs) detected on non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans and to assess potential predictors of calcification severity.

A total of 197 patients (mean age = 61.98 ± 16.63 years) who underwent head and neck CT and had corresponding serum lipid data were retrospectively analyzed. CACs were graded on a six-point scale (0-5). Serum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and VLDL, were compared between patients with and without CAC. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of calcification.

CACs were identified in 33 patients (16.8%), with 7 right-sided, 12 left-sided, and 14 bilateral cases. The mean triglyceride level was higher in patients with CACs (184.18 mg/dL) than in those without (144.44 mg/dL). A moderate but nonsignificant difference (p = 0.106; Cohen's d = 0.36) was found. Age was the only independent predictor of CAC presence (p < 0.001; OR = 1.081) with an 8.1% increase in odds per year. No significant associations were found for total cholesterol, LDL, or HDL.

Age was found to be the only independent predictor of CAC. Although triglyceride levels were higher in patients with CAC, this difference was not statistically significant and should be interpreted with caution. Incidental detection of CAC on head and neck imaging may support interdisciplinary referral and cardiovascular risk assessment, particularly in older patients and in cases with more extensive calcification.