Rosuvastatin reduces intima-media thickness in hypercholesterolemic subjects with asymptomatic carotid artery disease: the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease in Manfredonia (ACADIM) Study.

BACKGROUND: An increase in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) represents an early phase of the atherosclerotic process. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a reduction in CIMT could be seen with only 16 weeks of treatment with rosuvastatin (10 mg/day).

METHODS/RESULTS: Sixty-six participants of the ACADIM Study with hypercholesterolemia and carotid atherosclerosis at baseline carotid ultrasound investigation (CUI) were examined, with repeat CUI after 16 weeks of treatment. Demographic and lifestyle data were collected, as well as physical examination and fasting venous blood samples. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides decreased significantly (p < 0.0001), while high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased significantly (p < 0.0001) during the intervention. The mean decrease in IMT of the right and left common carotid arteries (CCAs) was 0.35 and 0.38 mm, respectively (p < 0.05 for each). Age and lipid profile parameters were significant predictors of change in CIMT in linear regression analyses after adjustment for established atherosclerosis risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with rosuvastatin in adults with evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis significantly reduced the CIMT of both CCAs, as well as improving lipid and lipoprotein levels.