The Combination of IMT and Stiffness Parameter β is Highly Associated with Concurrent Coronary Artery Disease in Type 2 Diabetes

Aims: The clinical implications of stiffness of the carotid artery (CA) have not been fully clarified in the prediction of coronary artery disease (CAD), although intima-media thickness (IMT) has been established as a surrogate marker. We examined the associations of stiffness parameter beta (ST) and IMT with concurrent CAD. Methods: IMT and ST were measured by ultrasound in 439 nondiabetic subjects as a control and 1528 type 2 diabetic subjects (T2DM) with or without CAD in a cross-sectional study. Results: Both IMT and ST significantly increased with age and group category, in the order of control, T2DM without CAD, and T2DM with CAD (p < 0.001). The area under the curve on ROC analysis of ST for concurrent CAD was comparable to that for IMT. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, High IMT (>= 1.30 mm) and High stiffness (>= 20.0) had significant odds ratios for concurrent CAD (2.205, p < 0.001 and 1.548, p < 0.05, respectively). The group with High IMT and High Stiffness exhibited a stronger multivariate odds ratio (3.115, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: ST and IMT are associated with CAD and exhibited significant odds ratios for CAD. Our findings suggest that the combination of IMT and ST is a useful marker of atherosclerosis.