Abstract
BACKGROUND: Carotid artery lesions frequently coexist with coronary arterial disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the extent of CAD and whether CIMT could be predictive of severity of coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS: Coronary angiography and carotid ultrasound evaluations of 100 consecutive patients with CAD who had undergone elective coronary angiography were reviewed. IMT was measured at both carotid arteries. CIMT and severity of CAD relationship based on SYNTAX score was assessed. The relation between CIMT and cardiovascular risk factors was determined. RESULTS: Mean overall SYNTAX score was 15.76+4.82. Mean right CIMT was 0.86±0.29 and mean left CIMT was 0.83±0.24. There were no significant correlation between the SYNTAX score and CIMT (r: 10, P: 30). There was significant relationship between hypertension,diabetes and CIMT (P: 0.01). CONCLUSION: we found no relationship between CIMT and SYNTAX score in patients who underwent coronary angiography. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are related to increased carotid intima-media thickness.