Pulse-wave velocity, the ankle-brachial index, and the visceral fat area are highly associated with colorectal adenoma.

BACKGROUND

Although both colorectal neoplasms and atherosclerosis may be induced by visceral fat accumulation, no association between these factors has yet been elucidated.

METHODS

Among Japanese participants in our colonoscopic screening and annual surveillance programs, asymptomatic subjects were investigated. Visceral fat area was measured by computed tomography, and the ankle-brachial index and pulse-wave velocity (markers of systemic atherosclerosis) were also estimated. Colorectal findings during screening were investigated in association with these parameters.

RESULTS

Nine hundred and seven subjects (males: 71.9%; mean age: 57.3±8.7 years) were enrolled. Colorectal adenomas were identified during colorectal screening of 407 subjects (44.9%). The prevalence of all colorectal adenoma and advanced neoplasia increased with an elevated pulse-wave velocity from 32.2% (advanced neoplasia, 2.6) to 62.1% (8.4%) in higher quartiles (p<0.001 and p=0.003). The risk of advanced neoplasia was higher in subjects with an abnormal ankle-brachial index (33% vs. 4.6%, p<0.001). Upon multivariate analysis, visceral fat area and pulse-wave velocity were associated with all adenoma, and the ankle-brachial index with advanced neoplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of colorectal adenoma was strongly associated with visceral fat area and markers of atherosclerosis. Colorectal adenoma and atherosclerosis may share a common pathogenesis and the same populations are at high-risk.