FREQUENCY OF CAROTID ARTERY STENOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH SIGNIFICANT CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of significant carotid artery stenosis
(CAS) (≥ 50%) in patients with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) (≥
50%) on Coronary Angiography.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Department of
Cardiology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from December 2008 to
June 2009. Total150 patients with significant CAD (≥ 50%) of any coronary
vessel diagnosed on the basis conventional coronary angiography) were
included. Ultrasonographic scanning of the carotid arteries and its branches was
performed using a tomographic ultrasound system with a high frequency
(7.5MHz) linear transducer. CAS was considered significant when there were ≥
50% stenosis of common carotid artery or its main branches, on Carotid Doppler
scan.
Results: Out of 150 patients, there were 102(68%) male and 48(32%) female
patients. Mean age was 55.56 years (SD±10.99). Among those, the distribution
of significant CAD was 30 (20.0%), 37 (24.7%) and 83 (55.3%) in patients with
single, double and triple vessel CAD, respectively. Significant ultrasongraphic
carotid stenosis was observed in 49 out of 150 patients (32.7%). Among those,
the distribution of significant CAS was 6 out of 30 (20.0%), 10 out of 37(27%)
and 33 out of 87 (55.3%) in patients with single, double and triple vessel CAD,
respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the extent of CAD was significantly
associated with the presence of carotid stenosis.
Conclusion: In conclusion, frequency of significant CAS in patients with CAD is
high in local population and screening of CAS should be recommended in
patients with CAD, especially in older patients with multivessel CAD.