Subclinical coronary artery disease in patients with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus undergoing hemodialysis.

Background: In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis occurs earlier in life and coronary artery disease (CAD) constitutes the major cause of death.

Objective: Evaluate the prevalence and anatomic characteristics of coronary artery disease (CAD) in type 1 diabetic patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods: This is a descriptive study of 20 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus undergoing hemodialysis without known CAD. CAD was assessed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). QCA was performed in all lesions >30%, visually. All proximal 18-mm segments of the coronary arteries were analyzed by IVUS. All other coronary segments with stenosis >30% were also analyzed.

Results: Angiography detected 29 lesions >30% in 15 patients (75%). Eleven (55%) of the lesions were >50% and 10 (50%) >70%. Thirteen patients had all 3 major arteries interrogated by IVUS. Atherosclerosis was present in all patients and in all 51 proximal 18-mm segments analyzed. The mean vessel diameter of these segments was significantly larger at the IVUS than at the QCA, for all vessels. IVUS images of 25 (86.2%) of the 29 lesions >30% were obtained. Fibrotic plaques were common (48%) and 60% had intermediate vessel remodeling.

Conclusion: CAD was present in all vessels of all type 1 diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis. These findings are in agreement with other autopsy, angiography and IVUS studies. Additionally, they indicate the need for additional epidemiological and imaging studies to better understand and treat such a complex and serious clinical condition affecting young people.