Structural Abnormalities of the Achilles Tendon are Associated With Coronary Artery Disease Even Without Achilles Tendon Thickening.

Abstract

Achilles tendon ultrasonography is useful in diagnosing familial hypercholesterolemia, as it allows assessment of its thickening and structure. The association between structural abnormalities in the Achilles tendon and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) was investigated in a cross-sectional study. We conducted this study on 353 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Ultrasound was used to examine the thickness and structural abnormalities of the Achilles tendon. Their CAD severity was assessed using the SYNTAX score before the first PCI. Abnormal findings on Achilles tendon ultrasonography were observed in 21 patients (5.9%). The SYNTAX score was compared between patients with and without abnormal Achilles tendon structure. The SYNTAX score was significantly higher in patients who had structural abnormalities but without thickening of the Achilles tendon (P = .002). Multivariate analysis revealed that abnormal Achilles tendon structure was one of the independent risk factors for an elevated SYNTAX score. In patients with CAD who underwent PCI, structural abnormalities in the Achilles tendon identified by ultrasonography were independently associated with an increase in the SYNTAX score.