Bilateral diagonal earlobe crease and coronary artery disease: A significant association

Abstract

Background: The association between the presence of diagonal earlobe crease (ELC) and coronary artery disease (CAD) still remains controversial. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between bilateral ELC and CAD. Methods: 415 patients were examined for the presence or absence of bilateral ELC, angiographic evidence of CAD and coronary risk factors. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to angiographic evidence of CAD. Results: Bilateral ELC was significantly and positively correlated with CAD, hypertension, age, male gender, cigarette smoking and family history of CAD. The ELC was an independent variable for CAD. The observed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the bilateral ELC for the diagnosis of CAD were in the following order: 51.3, 84.8, 89.4 and 41.2%. Conclusion: The presence of bilateral ELC was significantly associated with CAD and coronary risk factors. The bilateral ELC was an important dermatological indicator of CAD, and it might be a useful diagnostic tool in the clinical examination of patients. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.