Association between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Clinical Investigation

Pirouz  Samidoust; Seyedeh Hanieh  Mirmasoumi; Ehsan Kazemnejad  Leili; Mohaya  Farzin; Zobin  Souri

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21829

Pirouz Samidoust Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Seyedeh Hanieh Mirmasoumi Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Poursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Ehsan Kazemnejad Leili Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Road Trauma Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Mohaya Farzin Department of Physiology, Razi Clinical Research Development Unit, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Zobin Souri Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Poursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21829

Keywords: Atherosclerosis, CIMT, Metabolic syndrome, NAFLD

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the relationship between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT), a key indicator of cardiovascular risk. It aims to provide insights for developing strategies to address the growing impact of NAFLD on cardiovascular health.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 138 participants, 69 with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and 69 healthy controls aged 18–50. Data were collected from medical records, diagnostic tests, and liver and carotid ultrasounds. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 27, employing the Mann-Whitney U test and Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model, with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results: The average age was 36.35 yr, mostly 30–39. The NAFLD patients were older, with higher overweight (20.6%) and smoking (47%) rates. They also had significantly higher carotid intima-media thickness.

Conclusion: This study highlights a significant link between NAFLD and CIMT. Patients with NAFLD had higher CIMT values than healthy controls. Factors like Body Mass Index (BMI), overweight status, smoking, and age also showed significant correlations with CIMT. These findings underscore the need for early detection and targeted interventions to reduce cardiovascular risks in NAFLD patients.