CIMT
Also written as: CIMT — Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Carotid intima-media thickness, a non-invasive marker of subclinical atherosclerosis measured by ultrasound. Used to assess cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic patients.
Full Definition
Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a measurement obtained through B-mode ultrasound imaging that assesses the thickness of the innermost layers of the carotid artery wall. This measurement serves as a surrogate marker for subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk stratification. In cardiometabolic medicine, CIMT is particularly valuable for identifying patients with diabetes or metabolic syndrome who may benefit from more aggressive risk factor modification. Increased CIMT correlates with future cardiovascular events and can help guide clinical decision-making regarding statin therapy initiation in intermediate-risk patients.
Usage
Usage note: Measurements typically reported in millimeters; reference values vary by age and ethnicity.
In Context
- "CIMT measurement revealed subclinical atherosclerosis prompting statin initiation." — Preventive cardiology report
- "The patient's CIMT of 0.9 mm exceeded the 75th percentile for age and sex." — Ultrasound report