Key result
cIMT consistently predicts vascular events but varies too widely across populations for universal reference values.
Why the study?
The clinical use of carotid intima media thickness requires normal values, but the influence of geographical factors, ethnicity, and measurement details on these values has rarely been studied.
Are normative values for carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and its progression generalizable across populations?
Population
Subjects free of cardiovascular disease from 22 general population cohorts in Europe, North America, and Asia
Comparison
Influence of geography, ethnicity, and ultrasound protocols on cIMT values and hazard ratios
Design
Meta-analysis of individual participant data
Authors
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High heterogeneity precludes universal cIMT norms in practice; confirms consistent vascular event prediction across populations.
Meta-Analysis
Yes
Are normative values for carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and its progression generalizable across populations?
Universal or regional normative values for cIMT cannot be established due to high heterogeneity, although its predictive value for vascular events remains consistent.
Liao et al. (2016) conducted a meta-analysis in Free of cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) was evaluated on Percentiles of cIMT, cIMT progression, and vascular events. Carotid intima media thickness values vary too widely across populations to define universal reference values, although their prediction of vascular events remains consistent.
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