Coronary angiographic profile in Egyptian patients with xanthelasma palpebrarum

Background
Xanthelasma palpebrarum are yellow plaques that are found near the inner canthus of the eyelid. However, it is still controversial whether such lesions are marker for coronary artery disease.
Aim
The aim of the study was to investigate the association between xanthelasma and severity of coronary artery disease using coronary angiography.
Settings and design
A prospective, case–control study was conducted on 86 patients scheduled for coronary angiography to diagnose coronary artery disease. The study population included two groups. Groups A and B were formed of 43 patients each with and without xanthelasma, respectively.
Patients and methods
The day before diagnostic coronary angiography, all patients were subjected to full medical history taking; clinical examination; laboratory investigations, including lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)], serum creatinine, and lipid profile; 12-lead electrocardiogram; and transthoracic echocardiography. A written informed consent was taken from all included patients, and approval of the CMREC (Cairo Medical Research Ethics Committee) was obtained.
Results
Waist circumferences were increased in patients with xanthelasma compared with those without. Low-density lipoprotein and Lp(a) levels were significantly increased in patients with xanthelasma. The severity of coronary artery disease was significantly increased in patients with xanthelasma.
Conclusion
Hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were common in patients with xanthelasma palpebrarum. The presence of xanthelasma and Lp(a) were independent predictors of coronary artery disease. The severity of coronary artery disease was significantly increased in patients with xanthelasma.