Carotid intima-media thickness and/or carotid plaque: What is relevant?

摘要

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is often used as a risk predictor for cardiovascular complications in epidemi-ological studies. It has also served as a surrogate marker in the testing of novel anti-atherosclerotic pharmaceutical compounds, where halting CIMT growth (or regression) is interpreted as a positive beneficial effect. Finally, in some primary prevention studies, CIMT is used to evaluate individual risks for future cardiovascular complications. However, recently published data are now questioning the relevance of CIMT in individual patient management.