Abstract:
Background: Diabetes is one of the established modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular
diseases including ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease. Evaluation of the carotid arteries
has been revealed as an important predictor of cardiovascular disorders.
Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of carotid artery diseases and associated
factors among diabetic patients on follow-up at Jimma medical center.
Materials and Methodology: Hospital based cross-sectional study was done amongst diabetic
patients having follow-up at JMC form March 2024 to April 2024. Carotid Doppler ultrasound
was used to evaluate carotid stenosis, Carotid Intimal medial thickness (CIMT) and plaque.
Results: Asymptomatic significant carotid artery stenosis, defined as >=50% stenosis, was found
in 15 (7.7%) patients. Increased CIMT and presence of atherosclerotic plaque were found in
96(49%) and 45(23%) patients, respectively and represent mild carotid artery stenosis (<=50%).
Among patients with atherosclerotic plaque, type 3 plaque was the most commonly seen
16(35.6%). Male sex and central obesity had a statistically significant association with carotid
stenosis whereas older age, longer duration of diabetes and hypertension showed associations
with increased CIMT and Plaque.
Conclusion: The prevalence of asymptomatic significant carotid artery stenosis was relatively small.
Prevalence of increased CIMT and carotid plaque on the other hand was high. Male sex, longer duration
of diabetes and central obesity were strongly associated with asymptomatic significant carotid stenosis.
Further research is needed to identify effect of other clinical parameters on carotid artery diseases.
