New sequential algorithm using Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer to detect advanced carotid artery atherosclerosis

Background Although carotid artery sonography is widely performed, most guidelines do not recommend this procedure in the general population. Appropriate indications and effective algorithms are needed to detect advanced carotid artery atherosclerosis in a community setting. Methods This study was designed as cross-sectional study. Adult subjects (n=228) who underwent a health check-up at our healthcare centre were included in the final analysis. Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) quantification was based on a lectin antibody sandwich immunoassay. Subclinical atherosclerosis was diagnosed by carotid ultrasonography. Results The prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis and advanced atherosclerosis was 37.2% (85/228) and 11.8% (27/228), respectively, in a community-based setting. Serum M2BPGi level was significantly higher in subjects with calcified plaque (0.6317) and luminal stenosis (0.6373) than in control groups (0.4913, all P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis between M2BPGi and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk index (R=0.410, P<0.001) showed a positive relationship. The AUROC of serum M2BPGi for identifying calcified plaque or luminal stenosis was 0.679. The sequential algorithm using ASCVD and M2BPGi showed good negative predictive value (NPV) (93.6%) and reasonable positive predictive value (PPV) (53.8%) for identifying calcified plaque or luminal stenosis. When the sequential algorithm was used as an indicator for carotid ultrasonography, 35.0% (14/40) of subjects with intermediate-risk by ASCVD (≥7.5%) could avoid unnecessary carotid ultrasonography. Conclusions The sequential algorithm using ASCVD (≥7.5) and M2BPGi (≥0.525) provided reasonable indication for carotid artery sonography in a community-based setting.