Rate of common CIMT progression was directly associated with higher risk for future MI and CHD death.

The Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis Study (CLAS) was a clinical arterial imaging trial designed to study the effects of colestipol-niacin therapy on progression of atherosclerosis in the coronary, femoral, and carotid arteries.

The objectives of this long-term follow-up (by Hodis, et al) of the CLAS cohort was to determine whether carotid arterial intima media thickness (CIMT) (expressed as a single measurement or as a rate of change) predicts coronary events.

A progressive relationship was noted between the rate of change in common carotid IMT and the risk for MI and CHD death.

They concluded that noninvasive B-mode ultrasonographic measurement of progression of intima-media thickness in the distal common carotid artery is a useful surrogate endpoint for clinical coronary events.

Data such as these establish the utility of serial measurements of CIMT as an “intermediate endpoint," indicative of possible effects on CHD outcomes.