Abstract
Pulsatility index (PI) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is considered a measure of peripheral vascular resistance. Several established cardiovascular risk factors are common for both MCA PI and carotid atherosclerosis. Accordingly, in the present study we hypothesized an association between ultrasound-derived indices of carotid atherosclerosis and MCA PI. All residents in Akershus County, born in 1950, were invited to a cardiovascular examination, The Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 1950 Study (2012-2015). A thorough ultrasound examination was performed to assess indices of atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, and PI in the MCAs. In all, 3154 (85.1%) had adequate transcranial and carotid data. Associations between indices of carotid atherosclerosis and MCA PI were assessed by regression analyses adjusted for established cardiovascular risk factors. Mean age was 64 (standard deviation [SD]: .6) years, and 1,357 (43%) were women. Mean MCA PI was .97 (SD: .17). Participants in the upper quartile of MCA PI had higher pulse pressure, more frequently hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and a history of coronary artery disease. Both carotid plaque score (B .007 [95% CI: .003-.010]) and carotid intimamedia thickness (B .173 [95% CI: .120-.226]) were significantly associated with MCA PI in adjusted analysis. The model R2 was .055. In a population-based sample of middle-aged adults, ultrasound-derived indices of carotid atherosclerosis were independently associated with MCA PI. However, the overall explained variance of MCA PI was low, suggesting other factors than atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors to play an important role for MCA PI.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Journal of neuroimaging : official journal of the American Society of Neuroimaging
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.