Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an indicator of cardiovascular events and mortality and its increase has correlation with severe airflow obstruction in patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between pulmonary function and CIMT in COPD patients. METHODS: This study was performed on two groups of patients with and without COPD (cases & controls) who were referred to pulmonary clinics. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory tests were recorded in questionnaire. Spirometry was performed in cases and FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC were measured. CIMT was determined via ultrasound. RESULTS: Our results indicated that right carotid IMT was 0.51±0.112 mm and 0.65±0.131 mm in the control and case groups, respectively (p< 0.001). Left CIMT was 0.48±0.089 mm and 0.68±0.113 mm in the control and case groups, respectively (p< 0.001). FEV1 and FEV1/FVC had an inverse and significant correlation with IMT of the carotid (both right and left carotid). CONCLUSION: The results indicated an inverse association between carotid IMT and lung function test in COPD patients.