Imaging Sci Dent.  2023 Dec;53(4):290-302. 10.5624/isd.20230021.

Sonographic assessment of carotid intima-media thickness in healthy young Thai adults

• Panprasit W
• Silkosessak OCud
• Mukdeeprom P
• Charoenlarp P

• KMID: 2550092
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.20230021

Abstract

Purpose
Early detection of carotid stenosis can reduce cardiovascular risk. In this study, the maximum-carotid intimamedia thickness (CIMT), the mean-CIMT, and the presence of plaque were examined in healthy young Thai adults. Additionally, correlations between CIMT and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed.
Materials and Methods
Left and right carotid arteries of 302 participants (15-45 years old) were scanned, with CIMT measured at the far walls of the common carotid artery, carotid bulb, and internal carotid artery. Demographics and risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire. Ten random participants were re-scanned after 4 weeks.
Results
The study included 123 (40.70%) male and 179 (59.30%) female participants. The max-CIMT, meanCIMT, and plaque thickness were 0.400±0.100, 0.403±0.095 and 1.520±0.814 mm, respectively. Male participants had significantly higher CIMT values for nearly all locations and age groups. The right-sided CIMT values were higher for all locations. The carotid bulb had the greatest CIMT values (0.437±0.178 mm), followed by the common (0.403±0.095 mm) and internal (0.361±0.099 mm) carotid arteries. Plaque was present in 18 locations (1.00%), affecting 15 participants (4.97%). These plaques were found in the right carotid bulb (n = 9; 0.50%), left carotid bulb (n = 7; 0.39%), and right internal carotid artery (n = 2; 0.11%). Adjusted multivariable regression revealed significant positive associations between CIMT and male, increased age and “other” occupation (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Both max-CIMT and mean-CIMT were approximately 0.4 mm. Plaque was observed in 4.97% of patients, with an average thickness of 1.5 mm. The most influential risk factors for increased CIMT were sex, age, and occupation.

Keyword

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Ultrasonography; Young Adult