Neurological complications of patients during cardiac operations are closely associated with affections of the carotid arteries. The relationship of diabetes to these findings was not investigated so far. During the period between July 1 and Dec. 31 2000 the authors examined sonographically 127 patients indicated for aortocoronary bypass on account of affection of three arteries. Diabetes mellitus type 2 was present in 44 patients. A significant stenosis was detected in 4 (5%) without diabetes and in 5 (11%) patients with diabetes (p < 0.05), moreover in two patients with diabetes complete obstruction of the inner carotid was found. An insignificant stenosis (up to 70% was found in 3 (3%) of the patients without diabetes and in 3 (7%) patients with diabetes (p < 0.05). The thickness of the intima and media (IMT) was in patients with diabetes insignificantly greater (0.76 vs. 0.89 mm, NS). The mean index of echogenicity of plaques was in diabetic patients also insignificantly greater (2.1 vs. 2.9 NS). Atherosclerotic plaques greater than 2 mm were more frequent in diabetics (7.8% vs. 8 (18%), p < 0.05). A significantly more frequent finding of carotid stenosis or larger plaques was proved in patients with a history of CMP. Sonographic findings on the vertebral arteries were not associated with the presence of diabetes.
Conclusion: Carotid sonography in patients of three arteries reveals in diabetic patients and in those with a history of CMP more frequent significant stenosis and the presence of major atherosclerotic plaques.