Association of vascular calcification of breast with carotid intima media thickness

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between breast arterial calcification (BAC) on mammography and carotid intima medial thickness (C-IMT) by comparing these patients with healthy control subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 100 women divided into two groups based on presence of BAC on mammography using the WIPRO GE – DMR PLUS mammography unit. The groups included 50 BAC(+) (case group) and 50 BAC(–) (control group). BAC is defined as two linear calcific deposits forming the rail-road track pattern, with ring-like appearance in cross section. Relevant previous clinical and surgical history was taken and C-IMT was measured using B-mode ultrasonography Aplio XG (Toshiba medical systems corp., Japan) using an 8-13 MHz linear transducer within 1 cm from the proximal and distal portion of the common carotid artery and the mean value was taken. RESULTS: All the participants included in this study were within the age group of 40-70 years. Mean age with BAC(+) was 59.18 ± 8.59 years and BAC(–) was 50.70 ± 7.93 years. Mean C-IMT in the BAC(+) group was 0.86 ± 0.21 mm vs. 0.71 ± 0.12 mm in the BAC(–) group. Chi-square test, independent t test and Spearman’s rho correlation to assess the association of the breast arterial calcification were performed. The study showed significant difference in mean C-IMT between two groups (p value < 0.001) when correlated with age, diabetes, hypertension, presence of BAC and history of surgery and drug intake. CONCLUSIONS: BAC in mammography is independently associated with C-IMT. Furthermore, apart from age and menopausal status a statistically significant positive correlation with C-IMT was observed.