Research Article Open Access Cardiovascular Pharmacology: Open Access Comparison between Carotid Artery Doppler Ultrasound and Coronary Calcium Score as Predictors of Significant Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Computed Tomography Coronary

Background: The association between carotid artery Doppler ultrasound (US) or coronary Calcium Score (CCS) and the presence of significant CAD has been suggested but not largely documented. The purpose of this study was to compare carotid artery Doppler US and CCS as predictors of significant CAD. Methods: 56 patients (47 males, mean age 62 ± 8 years) with no history of CAD, who had undergone computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), Calcium Score evaluation and US, entered the study. Distribution of main socio-demographic and health related characteristics were described. On the basis of the CTCA results patients were classified as with no/non-significant CAD or with significant CAD. The presence of carotid plaques and the intima-media thickness (IMT) value were assessed with US stratifying patients into 3 groups: IMT ≤ 0.5 mm (free from disease); IMT 0.6-1mm (non-significant disease); IMT>1 mm (significant disease). Volume, Mass and Agatston Score were calculated using computed tomography (CT). Considering Agatston Score absolute values patient