The Value of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Diameter in Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT), common carotid artery diameter (Dd) and carotid artery atherosclerosis (CAS) by ultrasonograph. Methods: The carotid arteries were assessed by PHILIPS IU22 color doppler ultrasonography in 40 patients with hypertension of high-risk group and 40 of mild dangerous group. IMT and Dd of common carotid arteries were measured in the two groups. Results: (1)The values of IMT and Dd were significantly higher in hypertensive patients of high-risk group than those of the mild dangerous group (P 0.05). (2)There were significant differences in isolated abnormal rates of IMT or Dd, and both IMT and Dd in hypertensive patients of high-risk group compared with those of mild dangerous group(P 0.05 or P 0.01). (3) After adjusting for age, gender, smoking and family history, the levels of blood pressure, blood glucose and blood fat still play an extremely positive role in the increasing of IMT and Dd. Conclusion: The enlargement of common carotid artery IMT and Dd was an objective marker to CAS, but coexistent abnormalities of IMT and Dd were more sensitive to CAS.