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

Abstract

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