How accurate is CIMT as a predictive tool?
CIMT is more accurate in predicting disease than any other risk factor alone. CIMT measurement is an independent risk factor even in the absence of any other identifiable risk factors. Progression of disease over time is another independent risk factor. Studies have shown a 96% correlation between the disease found in the common carotid and the disease found elsewhere in the body. There is a very high correlation between the thickness of the intima media and other risk factors. Perhaps most important is CIMT’s correlation and ability to predict coronary and cerebral events. CIMT was more accurate at predicting CAD than was an Angiogram.
