[Cutaneous apoprotein B and coronary atherosclerosis].

Cutaneous and plasma lipids (cholesterol and Apoprotein B) were studied in 2 populations (average age 57.5 years), one with pathological and the other with normal coronary angiography. Skin biopsy was performed during the incision of thoracotomy. The concentrations of Apo B and cholesterol in the skin were compared to those of plasma lipids, lipoproteins and apoprotein B for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. This study showed that skin Apo B was the best marker of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with plasma Apo B concentrations of less than 1.3 g/l. The skin Apo B concentration was closely correlated to the presence but not to the severity of this arterial pathology. The cardiovascular risk factors of this population, studied separately and in a cumulative manner, confirmed the results of previously published reports.