Atherosclerotic Burden of Cronaries in DM with MSCT
Background: Multiple studies have confirmed the extensive
burden of coronary artery disease in cases with diabetes. Yet,
no optimal assessment technique has been proposed for risk
stratification of these populations. We performed this study to
elucidate the impact of diabetes on the coronary atherosclerotic
burden using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
(CTTA).
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included
100 cases with coronary atherosclerosis that were divided into
two groups; the non-diabetic group 63 cases, and the diabetic
group 37 cases. All subjects were subjected to complete
history taking, thorough physical examination, and routine
preoperative investigations. Additionally, echocardiography and
CCTA were done for all cases. Also, calcium score was
calculated.
Results: The diabetic group displayed significant younger age.
However, gender and body mass index did not significantly
differ between the two groups. Although smoking prevalence
was comparable in the study groups, both hypertension and
dyslipidemia had significantly higher prevalence in the diabetic
group. Most of the studies echocardiographic variables were
comparable between the two groups. The diabetic cases
showed a significant increase in both plaque and diseased
vessel number. Obstructive lesions were more common in
diabetic cases. Calcium score was significantly higher in the
diabetic group compared to non-diabetics.
Conclusion: It is evident that diabetes is associated with a
heavier atherosclerotic burden in the coronary arteries.
Additionally, calcium score appears to be a reliable option for
assessment of the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.