ABSTRACT
Background: B-mode ultrasonography has shown that measurements of the intima-media thickness of carotid artery [CIMT] is useful in studying atherosclerosis, while study of femoral artery has received little attension
Objective: studying the predictive value of carotid intimal-medial thickness [CIMT] and femoral artery intimal medical thickness [FIMT] for coronary artery disease [CAD] and the relation to risk factors
Methods: Measurement of CIMT and FIMT was performed, utilizing B-mode ultrasonography, for 120 patients [84 males and 36 females] refered for coronary angiography. Biochemical studies included: lipid profile, microalbuminurea, fasting and postprandial blood sugar. Patients were classified into two groups: group l [18 patients] with normal coronary angiography [c. angio] and group 11[102 patients] with abnormal c. angio
Results: CIMT and FIMT were significantly increased in patients with CAD compared to those with normal angiography [P<0.01]. The CIMT and FIMT showed a significant correlation with the extent of CAD [P<0.03 and <0.01], the sensitivity, specificity, positive [ppv] and negative [npv] predictive values of CIMT for CAD were [73.5%, 60.6%, 92.5% and 30%] respectively. While that of FIMT were [88.2%, 88.8%, 97.8% and 57.5%] respectively. Using the univariante analysis: the following parameters were independent risk for CAD: age, DM, hypertension, dyslipidemia, CIMT and FIMT
Conclusion: The CIMT and FIMT can be considered as independent predictors of the presence and extent of CAD, and these non-invasive tests can be used in evaluation and screening for subclinical CAD in high risk population