What is the Origin of Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness?

The measurement technique originated in the mid-1980s with epidemiological studies seeking a non-invasive, quantifiable measure to track the progression of atherosclerosis. The anatomical names derive from Latin, with intima meaning "innermost" and media meaning "middle." CIMT has since been incorporated into clinical guidelines for cardiovascular risk stratification.

What is the Mechanism of Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness?

Increased CIMT reflects the accumulation of plaque and structural changes within the arterial wall, which is a hallmark of systemic cardiovascular risk factors like dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. A thicker measurement indicates a higher atherosclerotic burden, correlating with an elevated lifetime risk for major adverse events such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Monitoring CIMT is a way to track the efficacy of hormonal or lipid-lowering interventions on vascular health.

Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness

Meaning

Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness, or CIMT, is a non-invasive measure of the combined thickness of the innermost two layers of the carotid artery wall as assessed by ultrasound. This metric quantifies the thickness of the tunica intima and tunica media, the internal and middle layers, respectively. It serves as a validated surrogate marker for subclinical atherosclerosis, indicating early vascular damage before symptoms manifest.