Association between hepatitis C virus seropositivity, carotid-artery plaque, and intima-media thickening

We investigated the relation between positivity for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and carotid-artery plaque and carotid intima-media thickening by analysing cross-sectional data of individuals undergoing a general health screening test. Of 4784 individuals enrolled, 104 (2·2%) were seropositive for HCV. After adjustment for confounding risk factors, HCV seropositivity was found to be associated with an increased risk of carotid-artery plaque (odds ratio 1·92 [95% CI 1·56–2·38], p=0·002) and carotid intima-media thickening (2·85 [2·28–3·57], p<0·0001). These findings suggest a possible role for chronic hepatitis C in the pathogenesis of carotid arterial remodelling.