Objective: In the present study, we have investigated whether a strong in-vivo correlation
between carotid and coronary arteries can be obtained by using homogeneous variables
such as carotid and coronary IMT, detected by external carotid ultrasound (ECU) and
intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), respectively. Background: Although well supported by post-
mortem studies, the reliability of carotid atherosclerosis as surrogate marker of coronary
atherosclerosis has been put in doubt by in-vivo studies showing a poor correlation between …

Aims Although well supported by postmortem studies, the reliability of carotid
atherosclerosis as surrogate marker of coronary atherosclerosis has been put in doubt by in
vivo studies showing a poor correlation between carotid intima-media thickness (IMT)
detected by external carotid ultrasound (ECU) and coronary stenosis assessed by
quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). In the present study, we have investigated
whether a stronger in vivo correlation between the two arteries can be obtained by using …