Key result
Carotid ultrasound assessment, including intima-media thickness and plaque characterization, is a useful tool for cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease.
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Screening patients with diagnosed CAD for carotid atherosclerosis using ultrasound is advocated for risk stratification, as carotid plaques indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
Carotid disease is a common finding in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its presence is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Intima-media thickness provides incremental value over traditional risk factors in predicting cardiovascular events; however, it does not predict the absence of CAD or its extent and severity. The presence of carotid plaques is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with CAD regardless of the treatment strategy (medical therapy alone or myocardial revascularization). Hence, we advocate the screening of patients with diagnosed CAD for carotid atherosclerosis. The prognostic impact of ultrasound characteristics of carotid plaques on cardiovascular outcomes of patients with CAD remains controversial.
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Komorovsky et al. (2005) conducted a review in Coronary artery disease. Carotid ultrasound assessment was evaluated. Carotid ultrasound assessment, including intima-media thickness and plaque characterization, is a useful tool for cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease.
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