Clinical importance of asymmetry and handedness differences in common carotid artery intima-media thickness

Int J Neurosci. 2007 Apr;117(4):433-41. doi: 10.1080/00207450600592230.

Abstract

Earlier publications have reported that common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) was lower on the right side than on the left side and that left-handed patients have a lower risk of sudden death of brain infarction. This study aimed to determine whether there is an asymmetry and the handedness related difference in CCA-IMT. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed with the use of Aplio US system. In total sample, male and female left-handers, CCA-IMT was greater on left side than on right side. In men, both right and left CCA-IMTs, but in women only right IMT, were lower in the left-handers than in the right-handers. Both right and left CCA-IMTs was positively correlated with age in men and in women. Handedness was a significant factor influencing CCA-IMT with adjustment for sex and age. It was greater on left side than on right side, especially in the left-handers. CCA-IMTs were lower in the left-handers than in the right-handers. These results suggest that hemodynamic stress and intimal damage was larger in the left carotid artery, which was larger in the right-handers compared to the left-handers.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / complications
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / pathology*
  • Carotid Artery, Common / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery, Common / pathology*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tunica Intima / diagnostic imaging
  • Tunica Intima / pathology
  • Tunica Media / diagnostic imaging
  • Tunica Media / pathology
  • Ultrasonography