Carotid Intima-media Thickness Measurements Research Articles

Distinct gut microbiota signatures associated with progression of atherosclerosis in people living with HIV.

The relationship of microbiota composition dynamics and the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in people with HIV (PWH) remains unknown. 96-week, prospective, longitudinal study in virologically-suppressed PWH. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) measurements and stool samples were obtained at baseline, 48-week and 96-week visits. cIMT progression was defined as an increase >10% and/or detection of new carotid plaque. To profile the gut microbiome, amplification and sequencing of 16S ribosomal-RNA (V3-V4 variable regions) were carried out following the Illumina protocol. Sequencing was performed with MiSeq platform. 191, 190 and 167 patients had available fecal samples for microbiome analysis at the baseline, 48- and 96-week visits, respectively. 87 (43%) participants showed atherosclerosis progression, and 54 (26.7%) presented new carotid plaque. No significant differences were observed in adjusted α-diversity indices between groups defined by cIMT progression. Beta-diversity determined through principal coordinate analysis distances showed that the groups exhibited distinct microbial profiles (PERMANOVA p-value = 0.03). Longitudinal analysis with ANCOM-BC2 adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, MSM and nadir CD4 count revealed that cIMT progression was consistently associated with Agathobacter and Ruminococcus_2, while non-progression was consistently associated with Prevotella_7. Progression of atherosclerosis in PWH might be associated with distinctive signatures in the gut microbiota.

Relationship between Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Disease Activity and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), insulin resistance (IR) is related to inflammatory markers, disease activity, and progression of atherosclerotic changes. Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a relatively new indicator of IR. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between TyG index, disease activity and subclinical atherosclerosis (SCA) in RA patients. The present case-control study included 100 RA patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants were subjected to careful history taking through clinical examination and standard laboratory assessment. The TyG index was calculated as TyG index = ln (Fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL))/2. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement was done using B-mode ultrasound. Patients had significantly higher TyG index as compared to controls. Patients with high disease activity had significantly higher frequency of extraarticular manifestations (39.6% versus 51.6%, p = 0.028), higher Larsen score (3.8 ± 1.3 versus 2.8 ± 1.2, p < 0.001), higher anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) levels (median (IQR): 243.1 (205.0-408.0) U/ml versus 99.0 (78.0-332.5), p < 0.001), higher TyG index (4.8 ± 0.22 versus 4.67 ± 0.24, p = 0.006), and higher CIMT (0.87 ± 0.22 versus 0.77 ± 0.17 mm, p = 0.018). Patients with SCA had higher BMI (34.6 ± 6.2 versus 30.5 ± 5.3 Kg/m2, p < 0.001), higher Larsen score (3.7 ± 1.4 versus 3.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.028) and higher TyG index (4.89 ± 0.23 versus 4.64 ± 0.19, p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis identified patients' age (OR (95% CI): 0.94 (0.89-0.99), p = 0.018), Larsen score (OR (95% CI): 1.93 (1.32-2.82), p = <0.001), anti-CCP (OR (95%): 1.04 (1.02-1.07), p = 0.032), and TyG index (OR (95% CI): 22.67 (2.14-240.4), p = 0.01) as significant predictors of high disease activity in multivariate analysis. IR estimated by the TyG index is related to disease activity and SCA in RA patients.

Evaluation of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

Background/Aims: Psoriatic arthritis with peripheral and axial involvement; It is a heterogeneous disease that can cause enthesitis, dactylitis, and nail and skin involvement. The persistence of inflammation in psoriasis leads to comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Our study aimed to identify subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic arthritis patients without a known risk factor and to prevent possible morbidity and mortality in patients. Methods: Thirty-three patients with psoriatic arthritis and twenty-five healthy control groups were included in our study. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, diagnosis of hyperlipidemia, body mass index above 30, and smoking were determined as exclusion criteria. The age, gender, duration of the disease, medical treatment used for the disease, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and total cholesterol values, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, carotid intima-media thickness measurement results obtained by carotid doppler ultrasonography imaging were recorded. Results: A comparison was made between the study and control groups in terms of age, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, and no statistically significant difference was observed. Monocyte and lymphocyte levels were significantly higher in the study group (p&amp;lt;0.05). Carotid intima-media thickness was statistically higher in the study group and this difference was statistically significant (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusions: Patients with psoriatic arthritis have an increased risk of atherosclerosis compared to the healthy population without any risk factors. This awareness will be useful in the follow-up of patients and in taking precautions against morbidities that may develop.

Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a key marker for atherosclerosis, with its modulation being crucial for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. While thyroid function's impact on cardiovascular health is recognized, the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms influencing CIMT remain to be elucidated. In this study, Mendelian Randomization (MR) was employed to assess the causal relationship between thyroid function and CIMT. Thyroid hormone data were sourced from the Thyroidomics Consortium, while lipid traits and CIMT measurements were obtained from the UK Biobank. The primary analysis method was a two-sample MR using multiplicative random effects inverse variance weighting (IVW-MRE). Additionally, the study explored the influence of thyroid hormones on lipid profiles and assessed their potential mediating role in the thyroid function-CIMT relationship through multivariate MR analysis. The study revealed that lower levels of Free Thyroxine (FT4) within the normal range are significantly associated with increased CIMT. This association was not observed with free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), or TPOAb. Additionally, mediation analysis suggested that apolipoprotein A-I and B are involved in the relationship between thyroid function and CIMT. The findings indicate a potential U-shaped curve relationship between FT4 levels and CIMT, with thyroid hormone supplementation in hypothyroid patients showing benefits in reducing CIMT. This research establishes a causal link between thyroid function and CIMT using MR methods, underscoring the importance of monitoring thyroid function for early cardiovascular risk assessment. The results advocate for the consideration of thyroid hormone supplementation in hypothyroid patients as a strategy to mitigate the risk of carotid atherosclerosis. These insights pave the way for more targeted approaches in managing patients with thyroid dysfunction to prevent cardiovascular complications.

Accelerometer-based sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity from childhood with arterial stiffness and carotid IMT progression: A 13-year longitudinal study of 1339 children.

We examined the longitudinal associations of sedentary time (ST), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) from childhood with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), a measure of arterial stiffness and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). We studied 1339 children, aged 11 years from Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, UK, followed up for 13 years. Accelerometer-based ST, LPA, and MVPA were assessed at ages 11, 15, and 24 years clinic visits. cfPWV and cIMT were measured with Vicorder and ultrasound, respectively, at ages 17 and 24 years. Among 1339 [56.4% female] participants, mean ST increased from ages 11 through 24 years, while mean LPA and MVPA decreased. Persistently high ST tertile from childhood was associated with increased cfPWV progression, effect estimate 0.047 m/s; [(95% CI 0.005 to 0.090); p = 0.030], but not cIMT progression. Persistently high LPA tertile category was associated with decreased cfPWV progression in males -0.022 m/s; [(-0.028 to -0.017); p < 0.001] and females -0.027 m/s; [(-0.044 to -0.010); p < 0.001]. Cumulative LPA exposure decreased the odds of progressively worsening cfPWV [Odds ratio 0.994 (0.994-0.995); p < 0.0001] and cIMT. Persistent exposure to ≥60 min/day of MVPA was paradoxically associated with increased cfPWV progression in males 0.053 m/s; [(0.030 to 0.077); p < 0.001] and females 0.012 m/s; [(0.002 to 0.022); p = 0.016]. Persistent exposure to ≥60 min/day of MVPA was inversely associated with cIMT progression in females -0.017 mm; [(-0.026 to -0.009); p < 0.001]. LPA >3 h/day from childhood may attenuate progressively worsening vascular damage associated with increased ST in youth.

Impact des antiviraux à action directe sur l'athérosclérose subclinique chez les patients atteints d’une hépatite C chronique

The impact of direct antiviral drugs (DAAs) on extrahepatic manifestations in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has been poorly studied. To assess the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with CHC and the impact of DAAs on atherosclerotic lesions. Methods A 5-year prospective evaluative study, including patients followed for CHC at hepato-gastroenterology department. The subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by ultrasound measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (IMTc) and the highest IMTc measurements from the left and right side defined the IMTc maximum (IMTc max). IMTc>75th percentile (IMTc75) define subclinical atherosclerosis with high cardiovascular risk. Patients were evaluated before (T0) and one year after DAAs therapy achievement (T1). At time T0, forty patients (median age: 55 y.; sex ratio M / F = 0.48), were included. Average value of IMTc max was 0.68 ± 0.16 mm. Subclinical atherosclerosis was noted in 82.5 %. At time T1, 28 patients were evaluated, all of whom completed sustained virological response (SVR). Compared to time T0, there was a significant increase in cholesterol (p = 0.001) and triglyceride (p = 0.009) levels. IMTc max was significantly higher at time T1 compared to T0 (0.75 Vs 0.67 mm, p = 0.04). Prevalence of IMTc75 was 82.1% at time T0 and 75% at time T1 (p=0.5). SVR, in CHC patients treated with DAA, was associated with worsening of carotid atherosclerotic lesions.

Assessment of Arterial Stiffness and Biochemical Markers in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the Diagnosis of Subclinical Atherosclerosis.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are 2-10 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) than the general population. The assessment of the risk of developing CVD is an important direction for further clinical management. The study was conducted retrospectively and included patients with SLE. The aim of the study was to assess the measurements of pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), ankle-brachial index (ABI) and biochemical parameters. Subclinical atherosclerosis was also assessed. The study included 98 patients with SLE with an age- and sex-matched control group of 68 healthy adults. Statistical significance was found in the SLE group and the controls for N-terminal fragment of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT proBNP) (144.87 vs. 36.41 pg/mL, p = 0.0018), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) (25.43 vs. 6.38 ng/L, p = 0.0303) and D-Dimer levels (0.73 vs. 0.36 µg/mL, p = 0.0088), left CIMT (1.03 vs. 0.62 mm, p < 0.0001), right CIMT (0.93 vs. 0.63 mm, p < 0.0001) and PWV CF (9.74 vs. 7.98 m/s, p = 0.0294). A positive correlation was found between NT proBNP and PWV CF (r = 0.6880, p = 0.0498) and hs-cTn and PVW carotid-femoral (CF) (r = 0.8862, p = 0.0499) in SLE. A positive correlation was reported between PWV CF and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.5025, p = 0.0487). The measurement of carotid-femoral PWV is a simple, non-invasive, and reproducible method and may independently predict future CVD events and their cause. Further studies are warranted to establish the prognostic value of PWV in patients with SLE, as it may be superior to CIMT measurements in the early stages of vascular disorders.

Evaluation of the relationship between atherosclerosis and Helicobacter pylori infection with measurement of growth differentiation factor 15 and atherosclerosis indicators in adults with no comorbidity

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate presence of subclinical atherosclerosis by measuring carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with Helicobacter pylori (HP) and to assess effects of HP on atherosclerosis by evaluating markers of atherosclerosis and blood growth differentiation factor (GDF-15) levels. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study included 59 patients without comorbid disease who had HP and 30 healthy controls without HP in upper endoscopic biopsy. In order to assess atherosclerosis, the CIMT measurement was performed by sonography. Serum GDF-15 level was measured by ELISA method. In all patients, atherosclerosis markers were recorded. Atherogenic indices were calculated, including Castelli risk index I and II (TG/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c, respectively), plasma atherogenic index (PAI; log TG/HDL-c), non-HDL-c (TH-HDL-c) and atherogenic coefficient (AC; non-HDL-HDL-c). ResultsThe GDF-15 level and CIMT were significantly higher in HP-positive group when compared to HP-negative group (p≤0.001). There was a significant correlation between serum GDF-15 level and CIMT (r=0.445; p≤0.001). There was no correlation between other atherosclerosis markers and serum GDF-15 level or CIMT. The bacterial intensity on endoscopic specimen was only correlated with CIMT (p<0.001). Vitamin B12 and D levels were comparable among groups. ConclusionThis study suggested that there was a correlation between GDF-15 level and subclinical atherosclerosis development in patients with HP. However, GDF-15 level, which was found to be elevated while atherogenic indices were normal, can be an earlier marker for subclinical atherosclerosis.

Impact of optimal cholesterol levels on subclinical atherosclerosis in the absence of risk factors in young adults

Background and aimsWe aimed to assess the association of blood lipids with the prevalence, incidence, and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis among young individuals without dyslipidemia and other traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). MethodsA total of 1270 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study aged 32–46 years free of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, current smoking, and dyslipidemia (total cholesterol [TC] ≥ 240 mg/dL, triglycerides [TG] ≥ 150 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] ≥ 160 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] < 40 mg/dL, or taking lipid-lowering medications) were included. A subgroup with optimal lipids within the low-CVRF group was defined with TC < 200 mg/dL, LDL-C < 100 mg/dL, non-HDL-C < 130 mg/dL, and women with HDL-C ≥ 50 mg/dL. Results1-SD higher TC (25.9 mg/dL), LDL-C (24.7 mg/dL), and non-HDL-C (26.6 mg/dL) were associated with a greater risk of presence (hazard ratios: 1.30–1.36), incidence (1.30–1.32), and progression (1.31–1.35) of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and a 42–44% greater odds of composite mean carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ≥ 75th percentile [780 μm] (p < 0.05). Repeating the analyses in a subset of participants with a CAC score of zero did not alter the association of TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C with CIMT. In the subgroup with optimal lipids, these lipid indices remained associated with an increased risk of presence and incidence of CAC and greater CIMT measures. ConclusionsAmong adults aged 32–46 years, in the absence of traditional CVRFs, elevated cholesterol levels, even within what is considered optimal, are associated with atherosclerosis and arteriopathy.

Effects of Smoking on Intima-Media Thickness of the Common Carotid Artery Using Ultrasonography

BackgroundCigarette smoking is a causative factor in premature atherosclerosis, but the exact mechanism of smoking-induced damage to the arterial wall and its relationship to the atherosclerotic process are still largely unknown. Carotid ultrasound may help target treatment. The aim of this study was to measure carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid Doppler parameters in Sudanese smokers compared to non-smokers using ultrasound.MethodsThis was a retrospective, case–control, community-based study conducted between June 2021 and September 2021. The study was conducted on 100 Sudanese subjects (50 smokers as the case group and 50 non-smokers as the control group). The practical part was conducted in Khartoum State at Al Raqi University Hospital using the E-CUBE 8-ALPINION and at Yastbshroon Hospital using the Fukuda Denshi Sefius UF890AG with a high-frequency linear transducer (7–10 MHz). Scanning was performed in the supine position with the neck extended. Pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler spectral and IMT measurements were obtained.ResultsThe mean age was 29.8 ± 4.5 years (range 24–40 years), and the mean IMT in smokers was 0.6 ± 0.06 mm, which was greater than the mean in non-smokers (0.462 ± 0.09 mm) (p = 0.000). Peak systolic velocity (PSV) was increased in smokers (40.0 ± 5.67 cm/s) compared to non-smokers (26.5 ± 5.6 cm/s) (p = 0.000), and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) was decreased in smokers (6.0 ± 1.2 cm/s) compared to non-smokers (9.8 ± 2.2 cm/s) (p = 0.000). In addition, the resistive index (RI) and the systolic-diastolic ratio (S/D) were not significantly different between smokers and non-smokers. The study showed that there was a significant positive correlation between IMT and the number of cigarettes per day in chronic smokers (p < 0.05), whereas peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were not affected in chronic smokers.ConclusionsThere was a statistically insignificant difference between the case (smokers) and control (non-smokers) groups in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), resistance index (RI), and systolic–diastolic ratio (S/D). While there were statistically significant differences in intima-media thickness (IMT), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end-diastolic velocity (EDV), regular follow-up of individuals with a history of smoking is recommended to detect carotid intimal changes earlier.

Association between syndecan-4 and subclinical atherosclerosis in ankylosing spondylitis.

Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), the risk of cardiovascular complications in AS patients is still higher than in the general population. Macrophages are at the intersection of the basic pathogenetic processes of AS and atherosclerosis. Although syndecan-4 (SDC4) mediates a variety of biological processes, the role of SDC4 in macrophage-mediated atherogenesis in AS patients remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of SDC4 in subclinical atherosclerosis in AS patients. Subjects were selected from eligible AS patients and control subjects without a prior history of AS who were referred to the rheumatology outpatient clinics. All participants' past medical records and clinical, and demographic characteristics were scanned. In addition, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement and disease activity index measurement were applied to all patients. According to our data, serum SDC4 level was significantly higher among AS patients compared with the control group (6.7 [1.5-35.0] ng/mL vs 5.1 [0.1-12.5] ng/mL, P < .001). The calculated CIMT was also significantly higher in AS patients than in the control group (0.6 [0.3-0.9] mm vs 0.4 (0.2-0.7), P < .001]. Additionally, serum C-reactive protein level and SDC4 level were independent predictors of AS and strongly associated with CIMT. Linear regression analysis showed that serum SDC4 level was the best predictor of CIMT (P = .004). Our data indicate that serum SDC4 levels provide comprehensive information about the clinical activity of the disease and subclinical atherosclerosis in AS patients.

Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure and carotid intima-media thickness: Baseline data from the Aidai Cohort Study in Japan.

Epidemiological evidence regarding the relationship between smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been limited in Asian populations. Employing baseline data from the Aidai Cohort Study, Japan, we evaluated the evidence in this cross-sectional study. Study subjects were 727 men aged 35-88 years and 1297 women aged 34-85 years. Information on smoking, SHS exposure, and confounders was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. An automated carotid ultrasonography device was used to measure the right and left CIMT. The greatest CIMT measurement in the left or right common carotid artery was considered the maximum CIMT, and a maximum CIMT >1.0 mm was indicative of carotid wall thickening. Age, alcohol consumption, leisure time physical activity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, waist circumference, employment, and education level were adjusted at one time. The prevalence of carotid wall thickening was 13.0%. The prevalence of never smoking was 30.5% in men and 90.1% in women. Among those who had never smoked, the prevalence of never SHS exposure at home and work was 74.3% and 48.2% in men and 38.3% and 56.3% in women, respectively. Active smoking and pack-years of smoking were independently positively related to carotid wall thickening regardless of sex, although the association with current smoking in women was not significant. Independent positive relationships were shown between former smoking and pack-years of smoking and maximum CIMT in men but not in women. No significant relationships were found between SHS exposure at home and work and carotid wall thickening or maximum CIMT in either men or women. Active smoking, especially pack-years of smoking, was positively associated with carotid wall thickening in both sexes. Such positive associations with maximum CIMT were found only in men; however, interactions between smoking and sex were not significant.

Investigation of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundPatients with schizophrenia (SCZ) have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than the average population. Early diagnosis of SCZ patients with subclinical atherosclerosis is great importance in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate some clinical risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with SCZ.MethodsFifty-one SCZ patients (20 females, 31 males) and 55 healthy controls (HCs) (25 females, 30 males) were included in the study. Electrocardiography (ECG), lipid parameters, hemogram, and biochemistry values of the participants were taken. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), fasting triglycerides, and total cholesterol were measured. The arrhythmogenic index of plasma (AIP) was analyzed. The recorded right and left carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements by carotid ultrasonography were scanned.ResultsQT interval (p = 0.035), CIMT-left (p = 0.008), CIMT-right (p = 0.002), fasting triglyceride (p = 0.005), AIP (p = 0.005) in the SCZ group compared to HCs (< 0.001) was statistically higher, while HDL (p = 0.003) was statistically lower. Smoking rates, QT interval (p = 0.035), CIMT-left (p = 0.008), and CIMT-right (p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the the SCZ group than in the HCs. According to odds ratios, individuals with SCZ have a 6.3-fold higher smoking rate. According to Pearson correlation analysis, CIMT-left was positively correlated with age and QT interval (r = 0.568, p < 0.001 and r = 0.589, p < 0.001, respectively). CIMT-right value was also positively correlated with age and QT interval (r = 0.533, p < 0.001 and r = 0.555, p < 0.001, respectively). QT interval positively and significantly predicted CIMT-left and CIMT-right (p < 0.001, β = 0.549 and p = 0.001 and β = 0.506 accordingly).ConclusionIn this study, a close relationship was found between the QT interval and CIMT in SCZ patients. This finding could be valuable for using an easy-to-calculate data such as QT in place of a laborious test such as CIMT.

Improvement of carotid atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease after hepatitis C virus eradication by direct-acting antivirals.

Recent research points to a link between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cardiovascular disease, especially carotid atherosclerosis, and suggests that HCV clearance may impact cardiovascular outcomes. To determine if viral eradication by the new oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents has benefit regarding carotid atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease (PAD), steatosis, and liver fibrosis. We conducted a prospective study on 168 patients diagnosed with chronic HCV infection or HCV-related cirrhosis. They were all treated with DAAs, with sustained virological response (SVR). Laboratory data, vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were recorded in all patients. We found an average IMT of 1.22±0.2 mm, with a variance range from 1.14±0.19 mm in the mild and moderate fibrosis (≤F2) group to 1.29±0.25 mm in the severe fibrosis (≥F3) group. Also, patients with severe fibrosis (≥F3) present a more critical decrease of IMT values, with the carotid thickness affecting only 18.2% of individuals in the follow-up period. At the baseline, the best values of ABI were recorded in patients having F1-F2 fibrosis stage (mean value 1.02±0.19). Instead, in the group with severe fibrosis, the average value of ABI was lower (0.91±0.16) at the baseline, with a significant increase at SVR evaluation (p<0.001). Our research highlights the beneficial effect of viral eradication on both carotid atherosclerosis and PAD, especially in those with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.

An intravascular optical coherence tomography technique for in vivo carotid intima-media thickness measurement and mechanical characterization

Arterial characteristic parameters including the intima-media thickness (IMT), strain, strain rate, elastic modulus, and compliance may be unevenly distributed due to local lesion growth. Thus, a combination of the full-field distribution of these parameters may provide more effective guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases than either one of them. Here, we develop an intravascular coherence tomography (IVOCT) based full-field measurement method to characterize the mechanical properties of carotid artery in vivo. Image processing methods are proposed based on U-Net model and centroid detection for accurate IMT measurement. The strain, strain rate, incremental elastic modulus and volumetric compliance are obtained based on the geometric changes of intima-media. Ex vivo silica gel phantom tests demonstrate the accuracy of the vascular wall segmentation by the U-Net based method is greater than 92%, and the error for elastic modulus measurement is less than 2%. A porcine carotid artery was imaged by IVOCT in vivo, and the IMT and the mechanical characteristics during cardiac cycle were measured. The proposed method facilitates the study of the uneven pathological evolution of the vascular wall and provides an effective measurement method for the study of vascular mechanical properties in vivo.

Assessment of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease Risk by Measuring Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects both synovial joints and extra-articular regions. Patients with RA have an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), leading to premature mortality. Aim: To assess subclinical atherosclerosis in RA patients using Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) and compare it with age-matched healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 RA patients and 50 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Ultrasound was used to measure CIMT, which serves as an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis. Framingham, Atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk scores, and QRISK3 scores were used to estimate the 10-year CVD risk. Student’s t-test and Chi-square test were used to identify statistically significant differences. Results: RA patients had significantly higher mean CIMT values compared to controls (p-value&lt;0.001), indicating an increased burden of atherosclerosis. While ASCVD scores were comparable, Framingham scores were significantly lower (p-value=0.028), and QRISK3 scores were significantly higher (p-value=0.007) in RA patients. This suggests an underestimation of CVD risk by Framingham and potentially better prediction by QRISK3. Conclusion: The study highlights that RA patients have a higher burden of atherosclerotic disease compared to healthy adults of the same age when CIMT is used as a marker of atherosclerosis. These findings indicate the need for early CVD risk assessment and intervention in RA patients using appropriate risk-scoring systems and tools. Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-up is warranted to confirm these findings.

Intima-Media Thickness in the Carotid Bifurcation is Related to Silent Brain Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement is used to assess subclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to examine the association between the maximum IMT by location and the occurrence of silent brain infarction (SBI). Overall, 280 Japanese individuals (92 females, 52.6±5 years old) underwent a medical check-up at our hospital in Tokyo in 2015. Carotid IMT was measured at each site on ultrasound images (common carotid artery [CCA], internal carotid artery, or bifurcation). The risk factors for arterial dysfunction were evaluated. SBI was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The cross-sectional relationship between carotid maximum IMT and SBI was evaluated. Of the 280 individuals, 18 (6.4%) were diagnosed with SBI on MRI. The mean age of the SBI(-) and SBI(+) groups was 51.9±10.6 and 63.6±18.6 years, respectively. The correlation coefficients between the carotid maximum IMT at each location were very weak (correlation coefficient range: 0.180-0.253). The percentage of participants with SBI increased significantly with increasing maximum CCA and bIMT values. After adjusting for confounders, SBI was found to be significantly associated with the maximum bIMT (per 0.1-mm increase) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.17). When bIMT was categorized according to three groups (＜1.0 mm, 1.0-＜2.0 mm, and ≥ 2.0 mm), a significant SBI risk was also observed with an increase by each category of bIMT (aOR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.63-9.52, P=0.002). The maximum bIMT was found to be the main determinant of SBI. A significant SBI risk was associated with an increase in each category of the maximum bIMT. Therefore, the maximum bIMT might be a useful predictor of future stroke in Japanese stroke-free medical check-up participants.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women Having Female Pattern Hair Loss.

Many studies have associated male androgenetic alopecia with the risk of cardiovascular disorders but very few studies have addressed this association in women with FPHL. This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study in which a total of 50 women (18-45 years) were recruited. The objective was to measure carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) by doppler ultrasound, Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, testosterone, Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), hs-CRP, ESR and fibrinogen, in pre-menopausal women having FPHL and to correlate these parameters with severity of FPHL. The prevalence of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Insulin resistance were evaluated. Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance were found in 12 (24%) and 17 (34%) cases respectively. Hypercholesterolemia, elevated LDL levels and hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL levels and hyperinsulinemia were found in 11 (22%), 31 (62%), 9 (18%), 17 (34%) and 7 (14%) cases respectively. 8 (16%) cases were diabetics. Elevated ESR, increased fibrinogen levels and elevated hs-CRP were found in 43 (86%), 10 (20%) and 21 (42%) cases respectively. CIMT was found to be within its normal range. Correlation of CIMT, anthropometric indices (BMI and WC), biochemical markers (serum cholesterol, triglycerides, FBS, and fibrinogen), and presence of metabolic syndrome with severity of FPHL in terms of Ludwig grade was found to be statistically significant. The determination of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and acute phase reactants such as hs-CRP and fibrinogen may be useful screening methods to detect increased cardiovascular risk in women with FPHL.

Reference intervals for carotid artery intima-media thickness measurements in the multi-ethnic Asian population: relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors

Abstract Background Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) is an intermediate surrogate marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD). It has been reported that although the distribution of cIMT values is very heterogeneous and values vary widely between different ethnicity, geographic location, and ultrasound protocol, the prediction of vascular events with study-specific cIMT values is consistent across all ethnicities and regions (1). Hence, Consensus Statement from the American Society of Echocardiography suggests that cIMT greater than or equal to 75th percentile for the patient’s age, sex, and ethnicity is indicative of increased CVD risk (2). Aims We aimed to establish age, sex, and ethnic-specific reference intervals in the multi-ethnic Asian population comprising Chinese, Malays, and Indians. Methods We analysed data from 8762 healthy individuals who had a 3D carotid ultrasonography done as part of the Health for Life in Singapore study. Carotid ultrasonography measurements were taken from the distal common carotid artery (CCA) at both the lateral and posterior angles bilaterally during the end-diastolic phase. The mean of all 4 measurements were taken as average cIMT (avgcIMT). For this analysis, we excluded individuals on treatment for diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and ischemic heart disease to derive a healthy population subset comprising of 6522 individuals (Chinese: 69%, Malays: 14%, Indians: 17%). We then assessed the 75th percentile as a marker of cardiovascular risk in all individuals, by testing associations with Framingham risk scores (locally adapted) and with cardiometabolic risk factors (3). Results Ethnic- and sex-specific 75th percentiles (95% CI) of CIMT for our Asian populations are summarised in Table 1. Compared to reference intervals reported in European and African American populations, the 75th centiles are lower in all Asian ethnic subgroups (p&amp;lt;0.05). Framingham risk score, BMI, LDL-C, HbA1c and systolic blood pressure were higher in Asians with cIMT more than 75th percentile (p&amp;lt;0.001), compared to Asians with normal cIMT. Conclusions We estimated race- and sex-specific 75th percentiles of avgcIMT across age in the multi-ethnic Asian population. The thresholds for Asian populations are substantially lower than reported in European and African populations. The 75th centiles identify people with raised cardiovascular risk factors, supporting the validity of cIMT as marker of vascular risk in the population. The 75th centiles will be useful in interpretation of cIMT measures obtained both in research and clinical settings in different ethnic populations in Asia. Longitudinal evaluation is needed to determine the prediction of our Asian specific thresholds for predicting hard cardiovascular outcomes.

Abstract 15400: Association of Cardiovascular Health With Early Carotid Artery Changes in Young Adults From Disadvantaged Social Backgrounds: The Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS)

Introduction: Associations of cardiovascular health (CVH), as measured by the AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) score, with early markers of arterial injury have not been described in young adults. Methods: The FFCWS enrolled 4898 mother-baby dyads at delivery in 20 US cities in 1998-2000, oversampling mothers who were unmarried, including a disproportionate number of minority and low-income families. In 2021-23, offspring were invited to attend an in-person exam to measure CVH and perform carotid artery ultrasound. Individual CVH metric and overall LE8 scores (except sleep) were calculated for each participant (ppt). Carotid imaging was performed by 2 trained sonographers and images were analyzed by a core lab. We examined cross-sectional associations of LE8 scores with measures of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), gray scale (a measure of early arterial injury), and distensibility, using linear regression. Results: Among 1211 offspring ppts, mean age was 22y, &gt;50% self-identified as female, and &gt;75% as Black or Hispanic. Black and Hispanic ppts had lower, and ppts from Other racial/ethnic groups had higher, overall LE8 scores compared with White ppts (all P≤0.01; Table 1A). In unadjusted analyses, Black ppts had thicker carotid IMT and lower Young’s elastic modulus measures. Prevalence of diagnostic plaque was low. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity (Table 1B), LE8 scores were significantly associated with lower carotid IMT, higher gray scale median, and lower Young’s elastic modulus. For example, for each 10 point higher (better) LE8 score, mean-maximal carotid IMT was lower by 0.008 mm. Conclusions: Among young adults largely from disadvantaged social backgrounds, the LE8 score was associated with early measures of carotid arterial injury. LE8 may be an important surrogate measure for monitoring long-term CVH and may help identify young adults with emerging subclinical disease and higher long-term cardiovascular risk.