Abstract

There is an existing debate regarding the use ofcarotidartery intima-media thickness (CIMT) for theearly risk prediction of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the correlation between CIMT and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary angiography as assessed using SYNTAX (synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and cardiac surgery) score. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in India from June 2021 to May 2022. A total of 100 patients who were suspected to have CAD or having an indication to undergo coronary angiography were included in the study. Baseline clinical and demographic details were recorded. Blood and biochemical investigations were carried out and risk factors for CAD were recorded among all the patients. Carotid ultrasonography was performed to measure CIMT. The correlation between CIMT and the severity of CAD using SYNTAX score was evaluated. Results: Mean age of the study population was 55.89 ± 11 years and males were predominant over females (68% vs. 32%). Mean CIMT was 1.03 ± 0.32 mm and mean SYNTAX score was 16.07 ± 11. A strong positive correlation existed between CIMT and SYNTAX score (r=0.76; p<0.001). CIMT was higher among the patients with double vessel disease (p<0.001) and triple vessel disease (p<0.001) when compared to the patients with no CAD. Conclusion: We found a strong correlation between CIMT and SYNTAX score. Hence, CIMT measurement may be beneficial to diagnose early atherosclerosis.

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