Association of nonalcoholic fatty liver with carotid intima-media thickness in patients with dyslipidaemia

Introduction
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in adults, which is associated with metabolic syndrome.

Aim of the research
To investigate the association of fatty liver with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with dyslipidaemia.

Material and methods
Fifty-two patients with uncomplicated NAFLD were enrolled. Sixty-four sex- and aged-match subjects without NAFLD were considered as controls. An ultrasound was performed in the supine and left lateral positions. In all patients, CIMT was measured by high-resolution real-time B-mode ultrasonography with a 7.5-MHz linear transducer. Data, including CIMT, plasma liver function tests, and other biochemical blood measurements, were collected.

Results
The mean CIMT in cases (0.66 mm) was significantly greater than the controls (0.58 mm) (p = 0.003). The mean CIMT in patients with fatty liver grade III (0.71 mm) was significantly more than the patient with fatty liver grade II (0.65 mm) (p = 0.003). Older age, hypertension, diabetes, body mass index, and smoking were associated with increased CIMT.

Conclusions
In patients with NAFLD and dyslipidaemia a significant increase in the CIMT has been observed compared to the control. So, it seems that performing liver ultrasound in patients with dyslipidaemia is reasonable, and in the presence of fatty liver, assessment of carotid atherosclerotic changes is recommended, which may lead to therapeutic intervention. Considering ultrasound as a noninvasive and non-ionising radiation imaging technique, as well as its low cost and availability, may make this method an ideal candidate for a diagnosis.