Prevalence and Associated factors of asymptomatic carotid artery diseases among diabetic patients in JMC

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.