• Daniela Fodor, Cosmina Bondor, Adriana Albu, Laura Muntean, Siao-pin Simon, Laura Poanta, and Alexandra Craciun.
• "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. dfodor@umfcluj.ro
• Sao Paulo Med J. 2011 May 1; 129 (3): 139145139-45.

Context And ObjectivesControversy exists regarding the relationship between atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA), presence of calcified atherosclerotic plaques and bone mineral density (BMD) evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), in postmenopausal women.Design And SettingCross-sectional study at Second Internal Medicine Clinic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.MethodsWe studied the IMT (left and right CCA and mean IMT) and T-score (lumbar spine L2-L4, femoral neck and total hip) in 100 postmenopausal women (mean age 64.5 years). The presence of calcified atherosclerotic plaque and osteoporotic vertebral fractures was also noted.ResultsIMT in the left and right CCA and mean IMT were significantly associated with T-score measured for the lumbar spine L2-L4, femoral neck and total hip, with lower T-score, in the osteoporotic group than in the normal and osteopenic groups (P < 0.05). IMT had a significantly negative correlation with the lumbar spine T-score and femoral neck T-score; and mean IMT with lowest T-score. Mean IMT (P < 0.001), high blood pressure (P = 0.005) and osteoporotic vertebral fractures (P = 0.048) showed statistical significance regarding the likelihood of developing atherosclerotic plaque.ConclusionsIn women referred for routine osteoporosis screening, the relationship between CCA, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis can be demonstrated using either cortical or trabecular BMD. Vertebral fractures may be considered to be a likelihood factor for atherosclerotic plaque development.

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