EP22.10: A novel semi‐automated technique for measuring carotid intima‐media thickness in pregnant women

Abstract

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is used to assess cardiovascular risk and has been found to be increased in pre-eclamptic pregnancies compared to normotensive pregnancies. There is increasing interest in automated software to obtain CIMT measurements, however few are available for a clinical setting. The aims of this study were to evaluate the use of a novel semi-automated technique for measuring maternal CIMT in pregnancy and investigate the relationship between maternal CIMT and gestational age. 16 normotensive pregnant women between 24 and 40 weeks gestation with low-risk pregnancy were recruited for this study. The Samsung HS 70A ultrasound system and linear probe (L3-12A) were used by a single operator to identify a longitudinal section of the right carotid artery. A cine loop was recorded while participants were in the semi-recumbent position. CIMT was calculated using an in-built computer semi-automated programme. Measurements were repeated in each participant and the average difference was calculated. Identifying the carotid artery, obtaining a cine loop and automatically calculating IMT typically took less than a minute. No discomfort was reported by the participants. Maternal CIMT values were obtained in all participants. CIMT values ranged from 0.26mm to 0.96mm. The mean difference between repeated CIMT values was 0.007mm. In our cohort CIMT did not change with increasing gestation. This novel semi-automated technique was able to obtain CIMT values in pregnant women rapidly. This technique can be used by a novice operator with limited technical skills and has good reproducibility. This technique may be applicable as a non-invasive bedside test for CIMT in pregnant women between 24-40 weeks gestation.