Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography of the carotid artery as an atherosclerosis screening method, we investigated the association between serial changes in carotid lesions and risk factors for atherosclerosis. Methods: The subjects were 66 cases in whom carotid lesions could be followed up for 5 years using ultrasonography in Takeda Hospital and affiliated hospitals. In these lesions, intima-media complex thickness (IMT)and the plaque score were investigated. Results: The mean follow-up period was 1,835.9±110.1 days. After follow-up, IMT and the plaque score significantly increased to 0.12±0.16mm (p<0.0001) and 0.87±1.67 (p<0.0001), respectively. With respect to the association with risk factors for atherosclerosis, these parameters were slightly higher in the group with risk factors, however, there were no significant differences. Concerning plaque calcification, these parameters were higher in the group with calcification. In particular, these parameters were more markedly increased in the group in which calcification was newly detected, and the plaque score was significantly increased (p =0.0002). Conclusions These results suggest the usefulness of investigating IMT, plaque, and plaque calcification by ultrasonography of the carotid artery in atherosclerosis screening.
