Relationship Between Breast Arterial Calcification Detected on Mammography and Carotid Intima Media Thickness as a Marker for Subclinical Atherosclerosis

Breast arterial calcification (BAC) is an incidental mammographic finding that may reflect systemic vascular calcification. Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) is an established marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the relationship between BAC and CIMT. To assess the association between mammographically detected BAC and CIMT measured by ultrasonography. This prospective cross-sectional study included 120 women aged 40–70 years, with 60 each in the BAC-present and BAC-absent groups. CIMT was measured using B-mode ultrasonography. Statistical analysis included independent t-test, ANOVA, chi-square test, Spearman correlation, and multivariable linear regression. Mean CIMT was significantly higher in women with BAC than in those without BAC (0.815 ± 0.10 vs. 0.493 ± 0.065 mm, p < 0.05). CIMT increased with BAC grade and correlated positively with BAC severity (r = 0.697, p < 0.05). After adjustment for age, diabetes, hypertension, and menopausal status, BAC remained significantly associated with increased CIMT (adjusted β = 0.274 mm, 95% CI: 0.238–0.310; p < 0.001). BAC was significantly associated with increased CIMT, supporting its potential role as an opportunistic indicator of subclinical vascular alterations.