Asymptomatic carotid artery disease detected by duplex scanning incidence and correlation with risk factors, cerebral blood flow and CT findings

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Asymptomatic carotid artery disease (ACAD) is a significant predictor of future cerebrovascular events.
• Understanding the prevalence and associated risk factors of ACAD in occupational populations is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of ACAD in active and retired employees of Styria.
• To investigate the relationship between ACAD and cerebrovascular risk factors.
• To explore potential correlations with brain morphologic and metabolic changes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 125 employees (82 men, 43 women; mean age 49.6 years) without prior cerebrovascular disease underwent high-resolution Duplex scanning.
• Cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements and CT scans were performed.
• Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis controlling for age and sex, were employed.

Main Results:

• Minimal to moderate atherosclerotic carotid plaques were found in 29.6% of participants.
• Univariate analysis indicated differences in risk factors between groups with and without ACAD.
• Multivariate analysis revealed that older age, elevated fibrinogen, and mildly impaired CBF were significantly associated with ACAD.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of ACAD in this occupational cohort is substantial.
• Elevated fibrinogen and reduced CBF are significant independent risk factors for ACAD.
• These findings highlight the importance of monitoring cerebrovascular risk factors in employed populations.