Abstract 15077: Bilateral Inflammation in Carotid Arteries in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease is Associated With Increased Rate of Cardiovascular Events

Background: The prognostic role of both local and systemic inflammation in coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. Microwave radiometry (MWR) is a new noninvasive method, which allows the in vivo measurement of the internal temperature of tissues reflecting local inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in patients with documented CAD the prognostic value of carotid atherosclerotic plaque inflammation, as assessed by MWR, in cardiovascular events. Methods: Consecutive patients with significant CAD (≥50% stenosis in at least one major epicardial vessel) were prospectively evaluated by 1) carotid ultrasound and 2) microwave radiometry (MWR). Maximum carotid plaque thickness was evaluated in all carotids during the ultrasound study. Temperature difference (ΔT) by MWR was assigned as maximal temperature along the carotid artery minus minimum. ΔT ≥0.90°C was assigned as high ΔT. Major cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as death, stroke, myocardial infarction or revasculariza...