Exploring the prevalence and clinical impact of carotid plaque burden by Doppler ultrasound in lung cancer screening participants with limited coronary artery calcification - Summary - MDSpire

Exploring the prevalence and clinical impact of carotid plaque burden by Doppler ultrasound in lung cancer screening participants with limited coronary artery calcification

  • By

  • Rebecca Mura

  • Roberta Eufrasia Ledda

  • Luca Moderato

  • Ludovica Leo

  • Pasquale Favia

  • Carlotta Zilioli

  • Antonella Priore

  • Francesca Lucia Maffucci

  • Vita Ida Gallone

  • Camilla Roberti

  • Silvia Schirò

  • Mario Silva

  • Nicola Sverzellati

  • Gianluca Milanese

  • February 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To assess the prevalence of carotid plaques and their potential contribution to specific therapeutic recommendations regarding lipid-lowering therapy in participants with absent or limited coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Key Findings:
  • Carotid plaques were detected in participants with absent or limited CAC, indicating subclinical atherosclerosis, with implications for clinical management.
  • The presence of carotid plaques may influence decisions regarding lipid-lowering therapy, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.
Interpretation:

The findings suggest that carotid Doppler ultrasound can provide valuable insights into cardiovascular risk in lung cancer screening participants, particularly those with minimal coronary artery calcification, thereby enhancing clinical decision-making.

Limitations:
  • The study's sample size and specific population may limit generalizability, and potential biases in participant selection and imaging interpretation could affect the reliability of the findings.
Conclusion:

Incorporating carotid Doppler ultrasound into lung cancer screening protocols could enhance cardiovascular risk assessment and management, particularly by identifying patients who may benefit from lipid-lowering therapy.

Original Source(s)

Exploring the prevalence and clinical impact of carotid plaque burden by Doppler ultrasound in lung cancer screening participants with limited coronary artery calcification

  • by Rebecca Mura, Roberta Eufrasia Ledda, Luca Moderato, Ludovica Leo, Pasquale Favia, Carlotta Zilioli, Antonella Priore, Francesca Lucia Maffucci, Vita Ida Gallone, Camilla Roberti, Silvia Schirò, Mario Silva, Nicola Sverzellati, Gianluca Milanese

  • February 24, 2026

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