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European Heart Journal 2000 21(11):919-926; doi:10.1053/euhj.1999.1911
Copyright © 2000 by the European Society of Cardiology.
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The role of carotid atherosclerosis in the distinction between ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy

A.E Androulakisa,f1, G.K Andrikopoulosa, D.J Richtera, C.A Tentolourisb, C.C Avgeropouloua, D.A Adamopoulosa, P.K Toutouzasb, A.G Trikasb, C.I Stefanadisb and J.E Gialafosa

a State Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
b Cardiac Department of Athens University, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece

revised August 23, 1999; accepted August 25, 1999

Abstract

Aim Sometimes ischaemic cardiomyopathy is a result of severe coronary artery disease of an occult course, without typical symptoms or evidence of myocardial infarction. This form of presentation is usually indistinguishable from non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Carotid bifurcation atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease have been shown to be strongly associated. We prospectively examined the value of extracranial carotid atherosclerosis in the distinction between ischaemic and non-ischaemic aetiology in patients with clinically unexplained cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results Seventy-eight patients with undetermined dilatation and diffuse impairment of the left ventricular contraction were studied within 28 months. They underwent carotid scan and coronary arteriography. Carotid atherosclerosis was found to be very common in ischaemic and rare in non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy. The presence of at least one abnormal carotid finding (intima–media thickness >1mm, plaques, severe carotid stenosis) was 96% sensitive and 89% specific for ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion Carotid scanning may be a useful screening and decision making tool in patients with cardiomyopathy of indecisive cause. Patients with carotid atherosclerosis are likely to suffer from severe coronary artery disease. Coronary angiography and subsequent myocardial viability studies, when indicated, could be considered early during their evaluation. In contrast, a negative carotid scan predicts non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Key Words: Ischaemic cardiomyopathy, non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, carotid atherosclerosis

f1 Correspondence: Aristides Androulakis, MD, 30 Dodekanisou Str., Vrilissia, 152 35 Athens, Greece.

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