In Meta-Analysis, Asymptomatic Carotid Bruit Predicts Cardiovascular Events

For cardiovascular risk assessment, a simple inexpensive technique might be as useful as costly imaging studies.

An asymptomatic carotid bruit is a weak predictor of an adverse cerebrovascular event, but, as a marker for generalized atherosclerosis, might it predict adverse cardiac events? In a meta-analysis, investigators reviewed 22 studies (published since 1978) with data on carotid bruits and subsequent myocardial infarctions or cardiovascular deaths in 17,295 patients. Two were case-control studies; the others involved cohorts followed prospectively for a median of 4 years.

In the pooled data, patients with carotid bruits were significantly more likely than those without bruits to experience MIs (3.69 vs. 1.86 per 100 patient-years) or cardiovascular death (2.85 vs. 1.11 per 100 patient-years).

Reviewing Author

Bruce Soloway, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsNew RoAR News (http://www.newroarnews.org)

Bruce Soloway, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsNew RoAR News (http://www.newroarnews.org)