Noninvasive evaluation of density of coronary and carotid calcification in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective. To estimate the density of calcium deposits of atherosclerotic plaques of coronary and carotid arteries in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 using multislice computed tomography (MSCT).

Material and methods. 251 patients with multifocal atherosclerosis (MA) were examined using MSCT. Determined equivalent density of calcium deposits (EDCD) atherosclerotic plaque of coronary and carotid arteries.

Results. According to the data of MSCT in patients with MA irrespective of concomitant diabetes was a high incidence of calcification of the coronary and carotid arteries. In Group 1 EDCD coronary arteries was 0.235 (0.214; 0.254) mg/mm³, in the group 2 - 0,219 (0,192; 0,242) mg/mm³. EDCD of carotid arteries in patients with diabetes was 0.183 (0.171; 0.193) mg/mm³, in patients without diabetes - 0.226 (0.199; 0.247) mg/mm³. There was a significant difference in the groups EDCD values for coronary (p = 0.017), and the carotid (p = 0.000003) artery.

Conclusion. Using index EDCD obtained on the basis of routine MSCT coronary and carotid arteries in patients with MA with DM compared with those without diabetes had significantly higher density calcifications in projection of coronary and low density of calcium deposits carotid arteries without regard to the degree of Agatston calcification scale.

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