Serial Changes in Intima-media Complex Thickness and Plaque of the Carotid Artery by Ultrasonography: 5 Year Follow-up

• Published in: Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Human Dry Dock Vol. 19; no. 4; pp. 586 - 589
• Main Authors: Hirata, Miki, Okumura, Yoko, Nishimura, Kazushi, Ishikawa, Mineko, Tanaka, Masami, Hama, Kaori, Ueno, Rie, Yoshida, Yuki, Aoki, Mitsuko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: JAPAN SOCIETY OF NINGEN DOCK 20.12.2004; 公益社団法人 日本人間ドック学会
• Subjects: atherosclerosis; carotid artery; intima-media complex thickness; plaque score; ultrasonography; プラークスコア; 内膜中膜複合体厚; 動脈硬化; 超音波; 頸動脈
• ISSN: 0914-0328; 2186-5019
• DOI: 10.11320/ningendock1986.19.586

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography of the carotid artery as an atherosclerosis screening method, we investigated the association between serial changes in carotid lesions and risk factors for atherosclerosis. Methods: The subjects were 66 cases in whom carotid lesions could be followed up for 5 years using ultrasonography in Takeda Hospital and affiliated hospitals. In these lesions, intima-media complex thickness (IMT)and the plaque score were investigated. Results: The mean follow-up period was 1,835.9±110.1 days. After follow-up, IMT and the plaque score significantly increased to 0.12±0.16mm (p<0.0001) and 0.87±1.67 (p<0.0001), respectively. With respect to the association with risk factors for atherosclerosis, these parameters were slightly higher in the group with risk factors, however, there were no significant differences. Concerning plaque calcification, these parameters were higher in the group with calcification. In particular, these parameters were more markedly increased in the group in which calcification was newly detected, and the plaque score was significantly increased (p =0.0002). Conclusions These results suggest the usefulness of investigating IMT, plaque, and plaque calcification by ultrasonography of the carotid artery in atherosclerosis screening.