Frank's sign as a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease.

SUMMARY – Frank’s sign is a dermatological marker, which has in many studies correlated with coronary heart disease. The aim of the study carried out in a sample of 60 subjects was to define whether Frank’s sign belongs to the group of risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. The subjects with the presence of Frank’s sign were assigned to group A, and those without Frank’s sign to group B. All study subjects underwent color Doppler examination of carotid arteries and determination of their common carotid artery intimal wall thickness (ACC IMT). The value exceeding 0.9 mm was considered as an ACC IMT increase. Statistical analysis by use of Pearson’s χ 2-test yielded a value of 11.279 and p=0.001. Assessment of the Frank’s sign value in predicting increased ACC IMT showed a sensitivity of 73%, specificity of 70%, positive predictive value of 71% and negative predictive value of 72%. The study indicated a statistically significant correlation between Frank’s sign and increased ACC IMT, supporting the hypothesis according to which this marker is an uncontrollable risk factor for cerebrovascular disease.