Evaluation of carotid wall thickness and vertebro-basilar system insufficiency in patients with obese polycystic ovary syndrome

Aim: To investigate the risk of cardiovascular disease by measuring carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and to evaluate the diameters and blood flow volume of vertebral arteries using Doppler ultrasound and the possible contribution of hyperandrogenemia that exists in these patients. Material and Methods: We prospectively studied 64 Caucasian women aged 18–35 years (31 with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] and 33 healthy controls). Patients were classified according to body mass index into obese (BMI > 27 kg/m2). All subjects were examined with ultrasound to measure CIMT and blood flow volume and diameters of vertebral arteries. Results: A significant difference between the two groups in CIMT (0.51 ± 0.08 vs 0.39 ± 0.02 mm, P