Assessment of the impact of carotid intima-media thickness on postoperative cognitive dysfunction following elective noncardiac surgery

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) following noncardiac surgery in the elderly is a growing concern. This study evaluates the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, and POCD. In this prospective study, elderly patients (≥60 years) undergoing elective noncardiac surgery were divided into two groups based on cIMT. Cognitive assessments were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively using the mini-mental state examination, clock-drawing, digit span, trail-making, and Stroop tests. The study included 36 patients, with no significant differences in cognitive test outcomes between those with cIMT ≤0.9mmand >0.9mm. The overall incidence of POCD was 2.8%. Increased cIMT was not associated with a higher risk of POCD. Larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings.