Il fibrinogeno plasmatico come indicatore di aterosclerosi carotidea subclinica

The aim of this study is to evaluate if plasma fibrinogen levels could correlate with carotid lesions. Methods. We investigated the plasmatic levels of fibrinogen in 100 patients with asymptomatic carotid lesions, examined at ultrasound, and with at least one traditional cardiovascular risk factor. Results. We found a significant correlation between plasma fibrinogen levels and severity of carotid lesions: intima-media thickness (p<0.001), stenosis <70% (p<0.002), stenosis ≥70% (p<0.001). Conclusions. Beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors, high plasmatic levels of fibrinogen significantly correlate with the thickness of carotid wall in asymptomatic subjects.