Additional value of carotid artery intima-media thickness in cardiovascular risk assessment by Framingham risk-score in Type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study.

Background:  The intima–media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery is highly correlated with cardiovascular events in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to undertake a cardiovascular risk assessment in a group of patients (n = 102) who had been followed-up for 10 years. Methods:  Framingham risk score (FRS), IMT, and various other clinical parameters were evaluated retrospectively using Student’s t-test, regression analysis, and χ2 tests. Primary endpoints were defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, angina, and ischemic stroke. Results:  The IMT (1.09 ± 0.32 vs 0.89 ± 0.25; P  30 mg/day, carotid artery IMT ≥0.9 mm, and FRS ≥20 (odds ratios 8.800, 3.377, and 2.807, respectively). Conclusion:  Although FRS predicts 10-year risk for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in T2DM, we suggest that UAE and carotid artery IMT should also be considered in risk assessments.