Abstract:

ABSTRACT Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the common carotid artery by gray scale ultrasonography and spectral analysis color doppler ultrasonography in patients with corneal arcus senilis. Methods: After a detailed ophthalmologic examination of patients who included in the study with corneal arcus senilis, blood count, blood lipid profile, gray scale ultrasonography and spectral analysis color doppler ultrasonography evaluation of common carotid artery were performed. Results: 64 eyes of 32 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 64.69±9.5(49-85) years, and the female to male ratio was 10(30%)/22(70%). In all eyes, the arcus senilis was bilateral and ring-shaped, and the rate of mild, moderate, dense arcus senilis was 22%, 26%, 52%, respectively. Total cholesterol, TG,LDL,VLDL values of the patients with arcus senilis were higher than the reference values. It was observed that intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery increased correlated with the density of the archus senilis and it was found to be statistically significant(p<0.05). In cases with arcus senilis, 61% of plaques were detected in common carotid artery gray scale ultrasonography, and 65% of them had soft character. There was also no statistically significant relationship between arcus senilis density and body mass index, smoking, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, blood lipid profıle(p>0.05). Conclusion: In corneal arcus senilis cases, it was observed that intima-media thickness and plaque formation increased in the common carotid artery. As well as more patients are needed, we can say that arcus senilis may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Key Words: Arcus senilis, Carotid Arteries, Ultrasonography

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