Association between carotid intima-media thickness and patient outcomes in coronary artery disease in central South Africa

Abstract

Objectives Atherosclerosis is responsible for significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Carotid intima medial thickness (CIMT) is a useful non-invasive tool to detect atherosclerosis to diagnose cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between pre-operative CIMT measurements and intra- and post-operative surgical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods This retrospective analytical cohort included 89 patients diagnosed with ACS who received CABG surgery. Patients were divided into two cohorts: group 1 (normal CIMT <0.07cm) and Group 2 (abnormal CIMT ≥0.07cm). B-mode ultrasound was used to measure the CIMT in all patients. Pre-, intra- and post-operative data and complications were recorded for each patient. Results The study included 77 (86.5%) males and 12 (13.5%) females. Pre-operative mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher (p=0.03) in group 2 than in group 1 (29.2 kg/m2 vs 26.6 kg/m2 ). Patients in group 2 had significantly more diabetes (p=0.008), hypertension (p=0.009) and an increased NT proBNP (p=0.02) than patients in group 1. The intra-operative and post-operative outcomes between groups were comparable, with no significant differences. Conclusion The study showed no correlation between abnormal CIMT and increased adverse intra- and postoperative patient outcomes. Therefore, based on the results of this study, CIMT should not be considered a tool to predict adverse events in patients undergoing CABG surgery.