Diagnosis Of Subclinical Atherosclerosis Research Articles

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.

Can the Serum Endocan Level Be Used as a Biomarker to Predict Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Prediabetes?

ResumoFundamento Pacientes pré-diabéticos têm um risco aumentado de doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica, e, portanto, a detecção precoce é importante.Objetivo Nosso estudo teve o objetivo de revelar a usabilidade dos níveis de endocan sérico como biomarcador no diagnóstico de aterosclerose subclínica em pacientes pré-diabéticos, com base em medições de EIMC.Métodos Os participantes foram classificados de acordo com a presença (n=42) ou ausência (n=42) de pré-diabetes. Os valores de endocan sérico, glicemia em jejum, insulina em jejum e hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) dos pacientes foram examinados e a EIMC foi medida. O nível de significância para a análise estatística foi 0,05.Resultados Apesar de se ter determinado que os níveis de endocan sérico são mais baixos em pacientes pré-diabéticos em comparação com o grupo de controle (p=0,042), determinou-se que os valores de EIMC são mais altos (p=0,046). A avaliação do endocan sérico por análise regressiva multivariada detectou que seu nível estava associado à EIMC, independentemente de outros parâmetros (p=0,007). Encontramos uma correlação negativa entre insulina plasmática em jejum e níveis de endocan (r=-0,320, p=0,001).Conclusões Este estudo demonstrou que a espessura íntima-média de carótida é mais alta e o nível de endocan sérico é mais baixo em pacientes pré-diabéticos. Os níveis de endocan sérico diminuídos em pacientes pré-diabéticos podem ser um fator que contribui para os mecanismos de formação de aterosclerose.

What Can We Change in Diet and Behaviour in Order to Decrease Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Obesity?

Atherosclerosis—considered the major cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)—is strongly associated with obesity, to which it strongly contributes. Moreover, atherosclerosis is characterised by a long asymptomatic phase, and its progression can lead to serious cardiovascular (CV) events. The carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) has been determined as a predictor of CV events, as well as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, and has been used in clinical trials as an alternative assessment method or a surrogate endpoint. It should be noted that several behavioural approaches can directly influence the cIMT values, and decrease or increase the CV risk. In our paper, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding IMT measurement among patients with obesity as a risk group—also in terms of the obesity paradox where the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis is especially essential and implements the early therapeutic approach. We also summarized behavioural, modifiable factors, such as the Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension Diets, body weight reduction or the intake of micro- and macronutrients, with a particular focus on the studies where the cIMT values were one of the outcomes. In order to collect the literature data related to the presented topic, the PubMed database was explored.

Risk prediction for subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in rotational shift workers in the arctic

Abstract Introduction High prevalence of cardiovascular events at northern latitudes determines the necessity of studying mechanisms of formation and early diagnosis of atherosclerotic process. Purpose To determine the most unfavorable prognostic factors that provide the percentage of correct prediction and high accuracy in detection of atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) in common carotid arteries (CCA) in rotational shift workers in the Arctic. Methods Within 2010–2012 a study of 424 males aged 30–59 years at the medical unit “Gazprom dobycha Yamburg” (Yamburg settlement, 68°N) was performed. Patients were randomized into 2 groups according to blood pressure (BP). Gr.I included 294 people with BP more than 140/90 mmHg, arterial hypertension (AH) of 1,2 stage and Gr.II included 130 people with BP less than 140/90 mmHg. Groups did not differ in age (46.9±5.8 years, p=0.435); total work experience in the Arctic: 16.5±6.8 years (p=0.512) and rotational shiftwork duration: 12.5±4.6 years (p=0.597). Office BP was 149.4±13.3/97.1±7.3 mmHg in Gr.I and 123.4±7.5/80.5±5.5 mmHg in Gr.II. Ultrasound examination of carotid arteries with determination of presence or absence of ASP in CCA and estimation of stenosis using NASCET method were performed; ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was conducted; blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol were determined. Statistical analysis was carried out using R (v. 3.6.1) programming language for statistical data processing of R Studio application package (v. 1.2.1335). Results Signs of CCA atherosclerosis were revealed in 56% of patients with AH and in 25% of those without AH. According to multivariate analysis, three variables with the most significant set of predictors, associated with ASP in CCA with the percentage of correct prediction of 75.9% were selected by step-by-step method: diastolic BP24 (&amp;lt;0.0001), glucose (0.0167) and cholesterol (0.0439). Based on the obtained model, it was concluded that 1 mmHg increase in diastolic BP24 increases the risk for developing ASP by 5.9%, Exp. (Beta) = 1.059, 1 mmol/l increase in glucose and cholesterol escalates the risk by 44.1% and 25.2%, respectively: Exp. (Beta) = 1.441 and Exp. (Beta) = 1.252. Conclusion The data obtained will improve accuracy for the early diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis of CCA, allow to prescribe lipid-lowering therapy timely and reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in rotational shift workers in the Arctic. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Распространенность субклинического атеросклероза при ревматоидном артрите

Objective. To study the parameters of the morpho-functional state of the vascular wall in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with different levels of total cardiovascular risk (CVR). Materials and methods. 181 patients with active RA (mean age 40.4 [31.8; 49.6] years) were examined, and 2 groups were formed: 1) patients with the seronegative subtype (n=87); 2) those with the seropositive subtype (n=94). CVR was determined using the modified Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) scale; the intima-media complex thickness (IMCT) and the stiffness index (SI) of common carotid arteries (CCA) were assessed with specific methods. Results. Low CVR was determined in 86 (48%), moderate risk - in 47%, and high risk - in 5% patients with RA. 176 (97%) patients with RA had signs of subclinical atherosclerosis, with simultaneous IMCT increase above the 75th percentile and SI increase over 10 m/s in 21% patients. Mean IMCT values and SI in the 2nd group were higher than in the 1st group (р=0.018 and р=0.048, respectively). The lower risk was more commonly accompanied by the IMCT increase; as the CVR increased, the proportion of RA patients with SI over 10 m/s increased (р&lt;0.01). A correlation was detected between the age and SI (r=0.58, p=0.035), IMCT parameters (r=0.64, p=0.002). SI correlated with the body mass index (BMI) (r=0.64, p=0.04), and IMTC correlated with the С-reactive protein level (r=0.61, p&lt;0.01). Direct correlation was detected between SI, IMTC, and the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) (r=0.51, p=0.02; r=0.45, p=0.008), RA duration (r=0.42, p=0.04; r=0.58, p=0.04), rheumatoid factor (RF) (r=0.68, p=0.04; r=0.49, р=0.04) and anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) levels (r=0.62, p=0.018; r=0.45, р=0.003), respectively. Conclusion. It is feasible to perform an advanced examination for the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis along with the routine evaluation of total CVR using the SCORE scale in patients with active RA.

Assessment methods and possibilities of instrumental diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis of coronary arteries

Subclinical coronary arteriosclerosis is a common cause of adverse cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction, stroke, sudden cardiac death. Currently, there is a large arsenal of methods for diagnosing coronary atherosclerosis. The article presents its main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, the possibility of use in routine clinical practice.

Evaluation of ultrasonography on carotid arteries and left ventricular function in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis.

Ultrasonography in the evaluation and diagnosis of carotid arteries and left ventricular function in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) was explored. In total, 152 patients with no obvious clinical symptoms of atherosclerosis confirmed by carotid ultrasonography in Tengzhou Central People's Hospital from September 2015 to March 2016 were enrolled as the experimental group, and further 45 patients with normal physical examination at the same time were collected as the control group. Patients in the experimental group were divided into three groups according to Framingham risk assessment: low, middle and high risk. The carotid arteries and left ventricular function of all patients were detected by Doppler ultrasound. There were differences in the systolic pressure, TG and TC between the control group and the experimental group (P<0.05). The expression levels of β, cIMT, Ep and PWVβ increased with the risk degree in the low, middle and high risk groups (P<0.05). The expression levels of LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF in the experimental group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group (P<0.05), while the expression levels of LAV, E/e, GLS and GCS were significantly increased compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). There was a difference of left ventricular function parameters in the low, medium and high risk groups (P<0.05). The expression levels of LVEDV, LVESV, LAV and E/e increased with the risk degree in the low, middle and high risk groups (P<0.05). The detection rate of plaque was lower in the low risk group than those in the middle and high risk group (P<0.05). By observing the parameters of carotid arteries and left ventricular function, it was found that ultrasonography has important clinical value in the early diagnosis of SA, and can be promoted in clinic.

Nanoparticles for diagnosis and therapy of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction: evolution toward prospective theranostic approaches.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite preventive efforts, early detection of atherosclerosis, the common pathophysiological mechanism underlying cardiovascular diseases remains elusive, and overt coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction is often the first clinical manifestation. Nanoparticles represent a novel strategy for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of atherosclerosis, and new multifunctional nanoparticles with combined diagnostic and therapeutic capacities hold the promise for theranostic approaches to this disease. This review focuses on the development of nanosystems for therapy and diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction and the evolution of nanosystems as theranostic tools. We also discuss the use of nanoparticles in noninvasive imaging, targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapies together with the challenges faced by nanosystems during clinical translation.

The Association Between Endocan Levels and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundProinflammatory conditions induced by circulating factors in diabetes play a pivotal role in endothelial dysfunction and related vascular complications. Endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 or endocan is a dermatan sulfate proteoglycan secreted primarily by the vascular endothelium. Although endocan has been shown to be a potential biomarker in coronary heart disease, its role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) in diabetes remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the correlation between serum endocan levels and subclinical AS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and MethodsPatients (n = 69) with T2DM were included. All the patients were stratified based on the absence (n = 42) or presence (n = 27) of subclinical AS. Healthy subjects (n = 28) served as controls. Serum levels of endocan, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) were measured. ResultsEndocan levels were significantly elevated in both the T2DM (0.89 ± 0.28ng/mL) and T2DM with subclinical AS (1.20 ± 0.33ng/mL) groups relative to the control group (0.68 ± 0.24ng/mL) (P < 0.05 for all). Endocan levels were also positively correlated with glycosylated hemoglobin A1, fasting blood glucose and cIMT (r = 0.292, P = 0.004; r = 0.224, P = 0.027 and r = 0.496, P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, endocan levels were independently associated with cIMT (β = 0.220, t = 5.816, P = 0.000) and were a significant risk factor for T2DM with subclinical AS (odds ratio = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.43-2.73, P < 0.001). ConclusionsThese findings suggest that serum endocan levels may be a useful biomarker for the early diagnosis of subclinical AS in patients with T2DM.

Concordance between Carotid and Femoral Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Low or Intermediate Cardiovascular Risk

Background: Approximately 50% of coronary events and sudden death occur in patients with low or intermediate cardiovascular risk, as determined by the Framingham risk score. Subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid and femoral territories is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular events. Identifying patients with subclinical atherosclerosis allows reclassification of the cardiovascular risk in an individualized manner. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in both territories in patients with low or intermediate cardiovascular risk, to evaluate the diagnostic agreement between carotid and femoral Doppler ultrasound, and to determine the independent predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis in both locations. Methods: Patients with low or intermediate risk of the Framingham risk score underwent carotid and femoral Doppler ultrasound for the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis; patients with diabetes and those treated with statins were excluded. Results: A total of 207 patients were included: 50.2% were classified as low-risk patients, 50.2% were women, and mean age was 52±9 years. The prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis was 42.5%. The concordance between carotid and femoral Doppler ultrasound was weak (kappa 0.28; 95% CI, 0.13-0.44). Age and sex were independent predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis in both territories, while smoking was an independent and powerful predictor only in the femoral arteries. Conclusions: Approximately 40% of patients with low or intermediate cardiovascular risk of the Framingham risk score have evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis. Concordance between the carotid and femoral Doppler ultrasound is weak, implying that the two methods identify subclinical atherosclerosis in different populations of patients.

Usefulness of measuring common carotid intima-media thickness: Ultrasound diagnosis of sub-clinical atherosclerosis in rheumatic diseases. A literature review

Abstract Introduction Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased cardiovascular risk due to systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which promotes accelerated atherosclerosis. One way to measure cardiovascular risk, is through the carotid intima-media thickness which is an inexpensive and non-invasive predictor of cardiovascular events. Objective To examine the evidence to determine the usefulness of ultrasound in the diagnosis of sub-clinical atherosclerosis in rheumatic diseases assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Material and methods A systematic literature search was performed, using electronic databases of PubMed, for articles published from January 2005 to May 2015, with no language restriction. Observational cohort studies that assessed the prevalence of sub-clinical atherosclerosis using the IMT were included. Results A total of 56 studies were identified for analysis, with almost all (95.7%) reporting an increased IMT in relation to the control group. Conclusions Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased cardiovascular risk assessed using IMT. This measurement, assessed by carotid ultrasound, may help detect the risk of sub-clinical cardiovascular disease in these populations, allowing to establish a therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Medición del grosor de la íntima-media carotídea: utilidad y diagnóstico ecográfico de aterosclerosis subclínica en enfermedades reumáticas. Revisión de la literatura

IntroductionPatients with rheumatic diseases have an increased cardiovascular risk due to systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which promotes accelerated atherosclerosis. One way to measure cardiovascular risk, is through the carotid intima-media thickness which is an inexpensive and non-invasive predictor of cardiovascular events. ObjectiveTo examine the evidence to determine the usefulness of ultrasound in the diagnosis of sub-clinical atherosclerosis in rheumatic diseases assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Material and methodsA systematic literature search was performed, using electronic databases of PubMed, for articles published from January 2005 to May 2015, with no language restriction. Observational cohort studies that assessed the prevalence of sub-clinical atherosclerosis using the IMT were included. ResultsA total of 56 studies were identified for analysis, with almost all (95.7%) reporting an increased IMT in relation to the control group. ConclusionsPatients with rheumatic diseases have an increased cardiovascular risk assessed using IMT. This measurement, assessed by carotid ultrasound, may help detect the risk of sub-clinical cardiovascular disease in these populations, allowing to establish a therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality in these patients.

The Value of Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases. Review of the Main International Studies

Measures for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are more effective if they are performed taking into account the risk factors of their development. Screening scales, which are helpful in determining the population risk, are used in primary prevention for cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification. The assessment of individual CV risk remains a problem. Biomarkers and instrumental investigations are used for its detailing. Carotid ultrasound is the main noninvasive method of vascular assessment. It allows assessing the intima-media thickness (IMT) and detecting the presence, location and morphology of atherosclerotic plaques (ASP), in other words, subclinical signs of atherosclerosis. Different views on the diagnosis of IMT and ASP in the carotid arteries and their value as predictors of CV and cerebrovascular diseases among individuals without CVD are presented in the article. Opinions about the benefits of IMT assessment for re-classification of patients with signs of subclinical atherosclerosis are also presented. The debate about the value of IMT in the CV risk stratification, and the feasibility of its assessment in clinical practice has not yet been completed. Assessment of IMT for CV risk stratification is most appropriate in patients with intermediate risk or with multiple risk factors of CVD. Consensus on primary CV prevention strategies in patients with intermediate risk of CVD is currently unavailable. Assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis by carotid ultrasound is important in such patients. The finding of increased carotid IMT should have an effect on the choice of hypolipidemic drug and intensity of treatment. However, the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis is not built into the algorithm for determining the CV risk. This causes difficulties in choosing tactic of prophylactic intervention, especially for intermediate risk patients.

Detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic subjects using ultrasound radiofrequency-tracking technology.

ObjectiveAtherosclerosis is a chronic and systemic disease and its developmental process involves the synergism of multiple risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity and smoking. The diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis is essential for strategic guidance towards suitable treatments and efficient prevention against acute cardiovascular events. This study employed ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) tracking technology to characterize human carotid arteries in vivo in terms of intima-media thickness (IMT) and artery stiffness, and evaluated the statistical correlation between carotid IMT and stiffness, and the number of risk factors for atherosclerosis.MethodsA total of 160 asymptomatic subjects were enrolled. Ultrasound RF-tracking technology was employed to acquire carotid IMT and stiffness parameters: maximum IMT (MAXIMT), RF Quality IMT (RFQIMT), distensibility coefficient (), compliance coefficient (), index, index and local pulse wave velocity (). The subjects were categorized in four groups in terms of the number of risk factors: ‘zero’, ‘single’, ‘double’, and ‘multiple’, and statistical analyses of carotid IMT and stiffness parameters were performed between these different groups.ResultsThe subjects (n = 145) with MAXIMT smaller than 1.0 mm matched the IMT criteria for non-atherosclerosis and were named as NA-subjects. Spearman’s rho correlation analysis of the whole group and the NA-subjects both showed that MAXIMT correlated positively with RFQIMT, , , and , and negatively with and (p<0.01). The analysis of covariance of NA-subjects showed significant differences between subjects with and without risk factors, and also showed significant differences between the ‘zero’, ‘single’, ‘double’, and ‘multiple’ groups.ConclusionsThe carotid IMT and stiffness parameters obtained by the ultrasound RF-tracking technology were demonstrated to possess significant statistical correlation with the number of risk factors from 160 subjects, and these anatomical and mechanical parameters may potentially be used together with the IMT criteria to support subclinical atherosclerosis diagnosis.

The Role of CT Angiography of Coronaries in Early Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Plaques in Albanian People with No History of Cardiovascular Disease in Correlation with Traditional Risk Factors

Objective:To evaluate the role of CT angiography of coronaries (CTAC) in the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis by detection of coronary artery plaques (CAP) in a group of consecutive albanian individuals with no history of coronary artery disease (CAD) or acute coronary syndrome and to investigate the relation between the prevalence of CAP, traditional risk factors and the expected 10-year risk of fatal cardiovascular event (CVE) based on our own experience.Method and Technique:This is a prospective study including 456 patients with no history of CAD who underwent CTAC in our hospital from September 2009 to March 2013. Risk estimation of fatal CVE was assessed using Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) and then CT scan was performed with a 64 detector CT, including Ca Score and angiography of coronaries with iv contrast.Results:From 456 patients 61.4% were low risk and 32.9% were at intermediate risk according to SCORE. The prevalence of CAP diagnosed by CTAC was calculated as 55.7 % overall. Though the presence and severity of CAP increased significantly with the increase of SCORE, it was found to be 44.1% in the low risk patients and 80% in the intermediate risk group, with a presence of 17% and 25% of stenotic plaques (>50%) respectively. Significant correlation was found between all traditional risk factors and CAP.Conclusion:Although a direct relation between the prevalence of CAP, risk factors and the related 10-year risk of fatal CVE was found, there was a significant prevalence of CAP in low –intermediate risk group with a considerable presence of stenotic lesions. Also 8.3% of patients with no risk factors and 18% of the patients with Ca score 0 had CAP in CT angiography, one resulting with severe stenosis. Our results suggest once more that CT angiography is a reliable, very accurate noninvasive technique for the diagnosis of early CAD, especially in the low-intermediate risk patients compared to the traditional evaluation schemes and Ca score, thus should be considered in this group as a diagnostic guide for optimal therapy planning.

Evaluation of association between atherogenic index of plasma and intima‐media thickness of the carotid artery for subclinic atherosclerosis in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Incidence of cardiovascular diseases in the patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) is between 25% and 60%. This increased rate is proposed to be associated with "accelerated atherosclerosis." Increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a subclinical atherosclerosis marker. Small-dense low-density lipoprotein particles are a strong risk factor for atherosclerosis. It was shown that atherogenic index of plasma (AIP = log(TG/HDL-c)) is correlated with size of the lipoprotein particles. We investigated the correlation between AIP and CIMT which is a subclinical atherosclerosis marker, in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A total of 62 persons with 31 patients under HD therapy and 31 volunteers were included in the study. In all the participants, CIMT was measured and AIP were calculated. AIP and CIMT values of the participants were compared with blood pressures, lipid profiles and the other risk factors. AIP (0.39 ± 0.32) and CIMT (0.57 ± 0.13) were found significantly higher in the patient group than in the controls (0.04 ± 0.36 and 0.45 ± 0.119, respectively); (P = 0.0001 and 0.0001, respectively). There was a significant correlation between AIP and increased CIMT in the patient group (P = 0.0001, r = 0.430). Among the lipid parameters, the strongest correlation was found between CIMT and AIP. We demonstrated the significant increase of AIP and CIMT in HD patients. A correlation was found between AIP and CIMT. AIP was found to show a correlation with a greater number of risk factors, both classical and CKD specific, than CIMT. These data suggest that AIP might be a method which can be used both in diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis and in deceleration processes of its progression.

Estimación de la «edad vascular» basada en el índice de masa corporal en una población en prevención primaria. Asociación con la aterosclerosis carotídea subclínica

Background and objectivesTo know the relationship between “vascular age” (VA) and the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis could improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Objectives: 1) to know the VA in a primary prevention population, and 2) to determine the relationship between VA and the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP). Patients and methodsWe calculated VA based on body mass index (BMI). We obtained the difference between VA and chronological age (Delta). The screening of CAP was done by ultrasound. We analyzed the association between quintiles of VA and Delta with the presence of CAP. ROC analysis was performed. ResultsIn total, 411 patients were included (age 47 [10] years, 54% men). The VA and Delta were 55 (15) and 7 (9) years respectively. In 75% of the patients VA was higher than the chronological age (50%≥6 years). Subjects with CAP had significantly higher VA (66 [11] versus 50 [14] years, P<.0001) and Delta (13 [9] versus 5 [7] years, P<.0001) than subjects without CAP. We observed a positive association of quintiles of VA and Delta with the prevalence of CAP. The area under de curve and the optimal cutoff point of VA for the detection of CAP were 0.813 and 60 years, respectively, and for Delta, 0,771 and 11 years, respectively. ConclusionsThe VA based on BMI could be a simple tool to estimate the presence of CAP and improve cardiovascular risk stratification in patients in primary prevention.

Diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients: higher accuracy of the D:A:D risk equation over Framingham and SCORE algorithms

While the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis may provide an opportunity for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which currently is a leading cause of death in HIV-infected subjects, its diagnosis is a clinical challenge. We aimed to compare the agreement and diagnostic performance of Framingham, SCORE and D:A:D equations for the recognition of subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV patients and to adjust the D:A:D equation using HIV and CVD variables. Atherosclerosis was evaluated in 203 HIV-infected individuals by measuring the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). The CVD risk was calculated using the Framingham, SCORE and D:A:D risk equations. Framingham, SCORE and D:A:D equations showed a low agreement with the IMT (Kappa: 0.219, 0.298, 0.244, respectively; p = 0.743) and a moderate predictive performance, (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.686, 0.665 and 0.716, respectively; p = 0.048), with the D:A:D equation being the most accurate. Atherosclerosis was demonstrated in a significant proportion of subjects with low predicted CVD risk by all three algorithms (16.3%, 17.2%, 17.2%, respectively; p = 0.743). In patients with an estimated low CVD risk atherosclerosis was associated with older age (p = 0.012) and low CD4 counts (p = 0.021). A model was developed to adjust the D:A:D equation; a significant increase in accuracy was obtained when CD4 counts and low-grade albuminuria were included (AUC = 0.772; p < 0.001). The D:A:D equation overperforms Framingham and SCORE in HIV patients. However, all three equations underestimate the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in this population. The accuracy of the D:A:D equation improves when CD4 counts and low-grade albuminuria are incorporated into the equation.

Health Informatics Design for Assisted Diagnosis of Subclinical Atherosclerosis, Structural, and Functional Arterial Age Calculus and Patient-Specific Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation

Traditional methods used to assess cardiovascular risk (i.e., the Framingham Risk Score) exhibit clear limitations. To aid in patient-specific risk stratification and diagnosis it has been proposed to evaluate noninvasively structural and functional arterial parameters. A National Public University Center (CUiiDARTE) was created in Uruguay with the aim of developing and applying strategies to improve cardiovascular risk stratification and subclinical vascular disease detection. To this end a health informatics approach and tool was designed, developed, and implemented in CUiiDARTE. Its goals were to: 1) promote screening for subclinical atherosclerosis, 2) develop a centralized database to store information obtained noninvasively from anywhere in our country, 3) develop a biomathematical model integrating values for arterial structure and function into traditional cardiovascular risk assessment, 4) generate a detailed and comprehensive report for the specialist comparing patient data with reference data from the healthy population, 5) generate a similar report (using a structural and functional arterial age calculator) for the patients assessing the state of their arteries. In this paper, we present the main characteristics of the CUiiDARTE health informatics development.

Relationship of aortic knob width with cardio-ankle vascular stiffness index and its value in diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients: a study on diagnostic accuracy

The aim of our study was to determine the usefulness of the aortic knob width (AKW) in the assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients. In this study on diagnostic accuracy, 374 consecutive hypertensive patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor were enrolled. AKW was measured on chest X-ray. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was measured by VaSera-1000 CAVI instrument. The diagnostic value of AKW was assessed using ROC analysis. There was a significant correlation between aortic knob width and CAVI (r=0.45, p<0.001), age (0.39, p<0.001), systolic (r=0.17, p<0.001), diastolic (r=0.23, p<0.001) and mean (r=0.2, p<0.001) blood pressures. In linear regression analysis CAVI (β=0.3, 95% CI 0.33-0.98, p<0.001), age (β=0.3, 95% CI 0.09 - 0.21, p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure β=0.2, 95% CI 0.08-1.9, p<0.001) were independently associated with AKW. It was significantly higher in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (CAVI ≥9) than borderline (8 ≤CAVI <9) (41.4±5.5 versus 36.7±5.3 mm, p<0.001) and healthy (CAVI <8) subjects (41.4±5.5 versus 35.5±4.3 mm, p<0.001). Analysis using the ROC curve has demonstrated that aortic knob of 41 mm constitutes the cut-off value for the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis with 71% sensitivity and 77% specificity (AUC-0.67, 95% CI 0.51-0.82). Observation of aortic knob on chest X-ray in hypertensive patients may provide important predictive information of subclinical atherosclerosis.