DefinePK

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 ofCardiology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from December 2008 toJune 2009. Total150 patients with significant CAD (≥ 50%) of any coronaryvessel diagnosed on the basis conventional coronary angiography) wereincluded. Ultrasonographic scanning of the carotid arteries and its branches wasperformed 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 Dopplerscan.Results: Out of 150 patients, there were 102(68%) male and 48(32%) femalepatients. Mean age was 55.56 years (SD±10.99). Among those, the distributionof significant CAD was 30 (20.0%), 37 (24.7%) and 83 (55.3%) in patients withsingle, double and triple vessel CAD, respectively. Significant ultrasongraphiccarotid 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 significantlyassociated with the presence of carotid stenosis.Conclusion: In conclusion, frequency of significant CAS in patients with CAD ishigh in local population and screening of CAS should be recommended inpatients with CAD, especially in older patients with multivessel CAD.