Carotid ultrasound assessment of patients with coronary artery disease: a useful index for risk

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Authors: Roman Komorovsky, Alessandro Desideri

Published Date January 2005 Volume 2005:1(2) Pages 131 - 136

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S

Roman Komorovsky, Alessandro Desideri

Cardiovascular Research Foundation, S Giacomo Hospital, Castelfranco Veneto, Italy

Abstract: Carotid disease is a common finding in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its presence is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Intima-media thickness provides incremental value over traditional risk factors in predicting cardiovascular events; however, it does not predict the absence of CAD or its extent and severity. The presence of carotid plaques is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with CAD regardless of the treatment strategy (medical therapy alone or myocardial revascularization). Hence, we advocate the screening of patients with diagnosed CAD for carotid atherosclerosis. The prognostic impact of ultrasound characteristics of carotid plaques on cardiovascular outcomes of patients with CAD remains controversial.