Evaluation Of Carotid Intima-media Thickness Research Articles

Evaluation of carotid Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease using ultrasonography

BackgroundAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with multi-mechanisms as; inflammation, oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, protein aggregation, etc. This study aimed to evaluate the carotid Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) in ALS and healthy groups, as a possible indicator of these mechanisms. Methods42 patients with ALS along with 53 normal age and body mass index (BMI) matched participants were recruited from the Firoozgar hospital. Carotid IMT values of the participants were measured using B-mode ultrasonography. Using Pearson correlation and logistic regression adjusting with age, BMI, and gender, the IMT values were assessed. ResultsThe mean right and left carotid IMT values of the ALS patients (0.66 ± 0.09) were significantly higher than normal participants (0.45 ± 0.10) (p < 0.001). In addition, the IMT values were highly correlated with the age (r = 0.632; p < 0.001) and the age of ALS onset (r = 0.595; p < 0.001), in contrast to the BMI. Moreover, the higher value of IMT was associated with an increasing risk of ALS with an odd ratio (OR) of 1.483 (95 % Confidence interval [1.026–2.144]). Eventually, evaluating IMT by classifying ALS patients based on the ALS Health State Scale (ALSHSS) from early to late stage revealed a non-linear increase in the OR (1.372, 1.898, 2.172, and 3.403). ConclusionThe increased value of the carotid IMT independent of BMI in ALS could be assessed through ultrasonography as a convenient tool to evaluate the disease severity or possible systemic inflammation.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Metabolic Complications in Children with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To evaluate carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in children with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and in controls. Also, to compare body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, skin-fold thickness (SFT), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), lipid profile, blood pressure, lipodystrophy syndrome (LDS), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children with HIV and in controls and to determine association between lipid profile, LDS, liver amino-transferases, NAFLD, BMI, body fat percentage, SFT, WHtR and CIMT. This cross-sectional study was done in 7 to 12 y old children attending the ART clinic and receiving ART for ≥6 mo according to 2018 National Aids Control Organization (NACO) guidelines. Thirty age and gender matched controls were enrolled from the pediatrics OPD. Weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, skin fold thickness and blood pressure were recorded. Lipid profile,liver amino-transferases, USG abdomen and CIMT were done with prior appointment. The present study had 43% females and 57% males (mean age of 9.33 ± 1.65 y). All cases were on combination ART (mean treatment duration: 59.1 mo). CIMT was significantly increased in cases as compared to controls 0.481 ± 0.087mm vs. 0.418 ± 0.072mm (p = 0.003). However, CIMT did not correlate with any other parameter. Cases had significantly higher body fat percentage (17% vs. 13.15%), systolic blood pressure (SBP), SFT, total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C) as compared to controls. NAFLD was seen in 3 cases (1%), lipohypertrophy in 7 (23%) cases and 5 (16%) controls. Children with HIV on ART have significantly higher CIMT and increased metabolic abnormalities.

Sonographic Evaluation of Carotid Intima-media Thickness and Carotid Plaques in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Sonographic Evaluation of Carotid Intima-media Thickness and Carotid Plaques in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Effect of atorvastatin on subclinical atherosclerosis in virally-suppressed HIV-infected patients with CMV seropositivity: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Persistent immune activation and inflammation in HIV-infection are linked to excess cardiovascular risk and other non-communicable diseases. Periodic asymptomatic CMV-reactivity in HIV infected patients over a lifetime may contribute to non-AIDS defining morbidity. Despite undetectable levels of HIV and CMV, these patients continue to have increased levels of biomarkers and immune activations. Statin administration is thought to reduce subclinical atherosclerosis by decreasing LDL-C levels. It may also add beneficial effects against CMV infection. Methods: We are conducting a double-blind placebo-controlled trial in which patients are randomized to receive either atorvastatin or placebo with a ratio of 1:1. This trial aims to study the effect of atorvastatin in statin-naive virally-suppressed HIV-infected patients with stable ART and CMV seropositivity on carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), tool that evaluates subclinical atherosclerosis. The study recruits 80 patients at HIV integrated care unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital. All eligible subjects have CIMT evaluation as primary outcome, along with flow mediated vasodilatation (FMD), liver fibrosis and steatosis evaluation, fasting lipid, neurocognitive test, community periodontal index (CPI), and residual immune activation as secondary outcomes in 48 weeks. Ethics and dissemination: This study has received an ethical approval from Health Research Ethics Commitee-Universitas Indonesia and Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. Before joining the study, all participants fill in an informed consent form. At the end of study analysis, the trial results will be published and disseminated in peer-reviewed journals. Discussion: The main purpose of our study is to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin administration on CIMT changes in statin naïve virally suppressed HIV-infected patients with stable ART and CMV seropositivity Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04101136; registered on 24 September 2019.

Factors associated with carotid intima-media thickness progression in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia: insights from the PRIZE study

Hyperuricemia is reportedly associated with the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a surrogate of cardiovascular risks and events. However, factors associated with carotid IMT progression in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia are largely unknown. In this post-hoc analysis of the multicenter, randomized PRIZE study, we analyzed data from a total of 326 patients who underwent carotid ultrasonography in a blind manner at baseline and 24 months to evaluate carotid IMT. Mean and maximum IMT at the common carotid artery (CCA) were measured at a central core laboratory. Factors related to the absolute change in mean and maximum IMT from baseline to 24 months were explored. Overall, the adjusted mean [0.0032 (− 0.0214 to 0.0278) mm] and maximum [0.0011 (− 0.0327 to 0.0351) mm] CCA-IMT increased numerically from baseline to 24 months. Multivariable analysis identified higher body mass index, history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and lower mean CCA-IMT at baseline as significant factors associated with the increase in mean CCA-IMT. In addition, older age and lower mean CCA-IMT at baseline were significant factors for an increased absolute change in the maximum CCA-IMT at 24 months. The present sub-analysis of the PRIZE study showed higher body mass index, history of ASCVD, and older age as significant factors associated with CCA-IMT progression in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. These factors may be considered when identifying the possible risk of atherosclerotic progression in this specific patient population of hyperuricemia.Trial registration: UMIN000012911 and UMIN000041322.

Evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness and cardiovascular risk factors in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients

&lt;b&gt;Objective:&lt;/b&gt; To assess the carotid intima-media thickness and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Material and methods:&lt;/b&gt; This was a prospective observational study conducted over two years in 100 patients who presented with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). IPSS questionnaire was used to evaluate the symptomatology of BPH. Patients were examined for cardiovascular risk factors. All patients underwent echocardiographic examination for left ventricular function. A single experienced sonographer, blinded to all clinical information, assessed the common carotid artery.&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The patients mean age was 69.32 years. The mean BMI was 28.91 kg/m². Of the total mild symptom score cases, 75 % (N=6) cases had Grade I prostatomegaly (26 – 40 cc). 98.38 % (N=61) cases had Grade II prostatomegaly (41 – 60 cc), 93.33 % (N=28) cases had Grade III prostatomegaly (&amp;gt;60cc). A mean carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) of 0.56 mm was found in cases having mild IPSS scores (Score 1-7), 0.73 mm was found in cases having moderate IPSS score (Score 8-19), 0.92 mm was found in cases having severe IPSS scores (Score 20-35). Significant association was present between mean BMI, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking and mean Carotid IMT with IPSS as p-value was &amp;lt;0.05. Significant association was present between total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and prostate volume with p-value &amp;lt;0.0001.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; This study found that prostatic tissue had a strong relationship with carotid IMT and cardiovascular risk factors in BPH patients. These data suggest a possible link between carotid IMT and cardiovascular risk factors and BPH.

P-336 Presence of stage III/IV endometriosis associated with systemic inflammation poses as individual risk factor for coronary heart disease in Indian women: Inklings for the search

Abstract Study question Can investigating endometriosis—cardiovascular interaction identify women with stage III/IV endometriosis and elucidate pathophysiology of the female heart at a broader level? Summary answer Endothelial dysfunction can occur in absence of structural atherosclerotic changes in young Indian women with endometriosis urging lifelong multidisciplinary care to manage long-term health impact. What is known already Chronic inflammation, enhanced oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and cellular proliferation are hallmarks of both atherosclerosis and endometriosis with unveiled cellular and molecular overlaps between the duos. Further, treatment/s of endometriosis, like, hysterectomy or oophorectomy and/or analgesics confer increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) to women with endometriosis. However, CHD in women with endometriosis remains understudied, under-recognized, and underdiagnosed. Incidentally, early atherosclerosis cannot be explained exclusively by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Aim of the present study was to correlate subclinical atherosclerosis with metabolic parameters and markers of endothelial inflammation in Indian women with stage III/IV endometriosis. Study design, size, duration This observational prospective cohort study constituted 1407 consented women diagnosed with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis (Group A; n = 718) with age matched control (Group B; n = 689) (counterpart/s of male infertility) from October 2021 to September 2022. Sub-clinical atherosclerosis was investigated before laparoscopy by ultrasound evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Serum samples were stored at -80 °C for evaluation of biochemical and inflammatory parameters. European Society of Cardiology guidelines were followed for standard definition/s. Participants/materials, setting, methods Traditional (obesity, hypertension) and metabolic (dyslipidaemia, diabetes, hyperhomocysteinemia) cardiovascular risk factor/s were assessed during evaluation and chemiluminescence respectively. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-a, VEGF, and VCAM-1 were determined by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay/s. Univariate comparisons and bivariate correlations were conducted by Student’s t-test, and Spearman correlation respectively. Adjusted relative risks (aRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by Cox-proportional hazard/s model among Group A vs Group B. Statistical significance was set at p &amp;lt; 0.05. Main results and the role of chance 62.95% and 37.04% women had stage III and stage IV endometriosis respectively as defined according to European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology 2014 guideline. aRR (adjusted for demographic, obesity, diabetes mellitus, reproductive history, and migraine), documented a higher risk of hypertension (aRR 1.43; 95%CI 1.33–1.54) in women with endometriosis. On stratification of group A in less than and more than 40 years, laboratory parameters were similar except for significantly higher (p &amp;lt; 0.01) serum values of homocysteine, low density lipoprotein and cholesterol, in both age range of group A. FMD, indirect marker of endothelial dysfunction, was found to be lower in group A compared to controls (mean difference: −7.54, 95% CI: -10.32− -4.73; p&amp;lt; 0.001, however, cIMT was similar between both cohort/s. aRR of endometriosis in relation with hypercholesterolemia (1.07; 95%CI 1.01–1.25; p &amp;lt; 0.001), hypertension (1.22; 95%CI 1.14–1.30; p &amp;lt; 0.001), and hyperhomocysteinemia (1.04; 95%CI 0.96–1.12; p &amp;lt; 0.08) decreased with increasing age (&amp;gt;40 years). Systemic inflammation markers, showed an inverse relationship (p &amp;lt; 0.001) between values of FMD and serum levels of IL-6 (r = –0.34), TNF-a (r = –0.85), and VCAM-1 (r = –0.28) in group A. Other correlations were not statistically significant. Limitations, reasons for caution This observational study is not supported by patients with typical cardiovascular risk factors and hence limits generalizability of evidence to other ethnicities. Further, no information on hormonal treatments, such as dianogest (a synthetic progesterone) and/or leuprolide (gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog) are available to assess extent of association between endometriosis and CHD. Wider implications of the findings Higher propensity of subclinical atherosclerosis in younger women with laparoscopically-confirmed endometriosis represent higher systemic inflammation cueing to increased risk for CHD. This suggests the need for risk awareness and subsequent screening for CHD and healthy lifestyle promotion among gynaecologist/s and public health specialists. Trial registration number Not applicable

Sonographic Evaluation of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) As a Predictor of Cardiovascular Risk in Women Diagnosed With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Sonographic Evaluation of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) As a Predictor of Cardiovascular Risk in Women Diagnosed With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Increased Carotid Intima-media Thickness and Its Association with Carbohydrate Metabolism and Adipocytokines in Children Treated with Recombinant Growth Hormone.

Reports on the association between growth hormone therapy and cardiovascular risk factors in children are limited. This study aimed to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in children treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and assess the effects of rhGH therapy and changes in serum carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile and adipocytokines on cIMT. Seventy-one isolated idiopathic GH deficiency (GHD) children and 44 age- and sex-matched, healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The study group was divided into two subgroups according to insulin resistance (IR) on oral glucose tolerance tests. Insulin secretion (HOMA B, total insulin) and sensitivity (HOMA-IR, QUICKI, Matsuda) indices were calculated. cIMT was measured and the standard deviation scores (SDS) were calculated. Associations between cIMT-SDS and insulin secretion and sensitivity indices, serum lipid levels, adipocytokines (leptin, resistin, ghrelin), and the other rhGH treatment-related factors were evaluated. The cIMT-SDS was increased in GHD children treated with rhGH compared to controls (0.02 (2.27) vs -1.01 (1.63), p=0.003). cIMT-SDS did not differ between children on rhGH treatment with or without IR. High cIMT-SDS was significantly associated with higher serum ghrelin level and lower serum high density lipoprotein level (ß=0.491, p=0.001 and ß= -0.027, p=0.017), but not with BMI-SDS, blood pressure, insulin secretion and sensitivity indices, or dose and duration of rhGH therapy. Our findings showed that GHD children treated with rhGH have increased cIMT. Alterations in carbohydrate metabolism were not associated with cIMT in children treated with rhGH. GH therapy per se appears to be associated with this increased cIMT but causality should be elucidated in further studies. cIMT also appears to be associated with higher ghrelin and lower HDL levels.

Evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness of female fibromyalgia patients and determination of their relationship with disease activity, severity of fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression levels

Aim: Carotid artery intima-media thickness is thought strong predictor of cardiovascular diseases. To evaluate the common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCIMT) in female patients with fibromiyalgia (FM) and determine its relationship with disease activity, severity of fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression levels.Material and Method: Thirty nine patients who had fibromyalgia syndrome according to 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria and 41 healthy controls were included. Pain level and disease activities were assessed with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnairre (FIQ) respectively. According to ACR 2016 classification criteria, Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Symptom Severity Score and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were performed. The LDL , HDL and Triglyceride levels were evaluated. Bilateral common carotid artery intima-media thicknesses (CCIMT) were performed by a blind radiologist to the groups of participants. Results: Age, weight and height were similar between groups (p&amp;gt;0.05). Triglyceride level was significant higher in patients with FM (p=0.001). HDL and LDL levels were similar between groups (p=0.297, p=0.061). Bilateral CCIMT was significantly higher in patients with FM (p&amp;lt;0.001). Bilateral CCIMT were found positively correlated with age in FM group (r=0.390, p=0.014, r=0.404, p=0.011 respectively). There were found no correlations between bilateral CCIMT, height, weight, triglyseride level, LDL level, FIQ, NRS, WPI, Symptom Severity Score, HADS scores. . Conclusion: In FM patients, bilateral CCIMTs were found increased compared to healthy controls. No associations were found between CCIMT, LDL, triglyceride levels, disease activity and pain level, anxiety and depression level in patients with FM.

Sonographic evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques in coronary artery disease patients

Sonographic evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques in coronary artery disease patients

Juvenil İdiyopatik Artiritte Karotis İntima Media Kalınlığı ve Preklinik Ateroskleroz için Risk Faktörleri: Tanımlayıcı Araştırma

Objective: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in childhood. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are becoming important health problems for children with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in children with JIA and to examine its association with JIA subtype, markers of inflammation, and early atherosclerosis. Material and Methods: We included 112 (50 boys and 62 girls) patients who have been followed by a diagnosis of JIA for at least 6 months and 54 healthy control subjects (32 girls and 22 males) who were matched with the patients age and gender. All children underwent a carotid artery. Inflammation markers were evaluated in the patient group. Cumulative drug doses, total disease duration (TDD), active disease duration (ADD) were calculated. All CIMT values were compared in patients, subgroups, and control groups, and their relationship with inflammation markers was investigated. Results: CIMT values in found that children with JIA were significantly higher than in healthy children. There was no difference between the disease subgroups in terms of CIMT. No relationship was found between CIMT measurements and atherosclerosis risk factors, drugs, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell and C-reactive protein. A negative correlation was found between mean platelet volume (MPV) and right CIMT. A statistically significant positive correlation was detected between the right CIMT and TDD (r=0.221, p=0.022), and ADD (r=0.248, p=0.010). Conclusion: The study showed that the patients with JIA had more risks than healthy controls for cardiovascular disease (CVD) regardless of subgroup. We concluded early and aggressive therapies may be protective for CVD. Negative correlation was found between MPV and CIMT that is consistent with recently published literature, but there is need for further studies with a larger patient population.

Çölyak hastalığı olan çocuklar ile sağlıklı yaşıtlarının erken ateroskleroz belirteçlerinin karşılaştırılması

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) concurrently as early atherosclerotic markers in pediatric patients with Celiac disease.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Patients with Celiac disease (n=54) and healthy peers (n=54) aged 5-18 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients who followed gluten free diet at least the past 12 months were included. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed. cIMT and EATT were measured by echocardiography and compared between the patient and control groups. &#x0D; Results: Body mass index (17.4±3.0 vs. 18.4±3.1 kg/m2), blood pressure (systolic: 100 (85-120) vs. 100 (80-100) mmHg; diastolic: 60 (40-90) vs. 70 (40-90) mmHg), and lipid profile (total cholesterol: 144.6±30.2 vs. 150.8±22.6 mg/dL; triglycerides: 71.5 (27-178) vs. 92.5 (34-203) mg/dL) were not different between the patient and control groups, while there were significant differences in cIMT and EATT. The patient group had higher cIMT (0.50±0.07 vs. 0.45±0.04 mm) and EATT (5.68±0.90 vs. 4.22±0.76 mm) than the control group. The risk of vitamin D insufficiency was 2.68 times higher in the patient group (95% CI=1.19-6.03). &#x0D; Conclusions: Children with Celiac disease had higher cIMT and EATT than healthy peers. cIMT and/or EATT measurements by echocardiography may present as a reliable and easy method to investigate subclinical atherosclerosis in children with Celiac disease.

Salivary metabolic signatures of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized for treatment.

Atherosclerosis is a life-threatening disease associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to characterize a salivary signature of atherosclerosis based on evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) to develop a non-invasive predictive tool for diagnosis and disease follow-up. Metabolites in saliva and plasma samples collected at admission and after treatment from 25 T2D patients hospitalized for 2weeks to undergo medical treatment for diabetes were comprehensively profiled using metabolomic profiling with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Orthogonal partial least squares analysis, used to explore the relationships of IMT with clinical markers and plasma and salivary metabolites, showed that the top predictors for IMT included salivary allantoin and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) at both the baseline examination at admission and after treatment. Furthermore, though treatment induced alterations in salivary levels of allantoin and 1,5-AG, it did not modify the association between IMT and these metabolites (p interaction > 0.05), and models with these metabolites combined yielded satisfactory diagnostic accuracy for the high IMT group even after treatment (area under curve = 0.819). Collectively, this salivary metabolite combination may be useful for non-invasive identification of T2D patients with a higher atherosclerotic burden in clinical settings.

Fully automatic measurement of the carotid intima thickness in ultrasound images using extinction values

ABSTRACT Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Ultrasound evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a fast and non-invasive approach widely used to estimate cardiovascular risk. However, evaluation of the faint carotid intima sublayer thickness (cIT) is reported to be a better marker of atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular risk than cIMT. To date, evaluation of cIT is achieved by manual measures of carotid wall images usually derived from transducers set at high frequency (22 MHz-25 MHz). Based on mathematical morphology techniques, we developed a fully automated method for measuring the thickness of cIT. The numbers generated by the automatic method were compared to the average values generated by manual measurements performed by two specialists evaluating 120 high-resolution carotid images from 80 individuals. Carotid images were obtained with an ultrasound transducer set at 10 MHz, which is easily available in clinical practice. The cIT measurements obtained by the automatic and manual methods showed a particularly good correlation (r = 0.82). This result is quite significant, considering the complexity of extracting such a faint measure in ultrasound images that may be easily obtained in routine clinical settings.

Carotid intima media as predictor of liver fibrosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus with NAFLD

Background and aimsNon Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is common in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) that might progress to advance liver fibrosis. Early recognition of liver fibrosis may have clinical implication. Non invasive assessment tool for severity of liver fibrosis in NAFLD is expensive fibroscan. An alternate method of diagnosis will be very useful innovation. We aimed to evaluate Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) and its association with severity of liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 DM and NAFLD. MethodsTreatment naïve patients with type 2 DM were enrolled. Measurement of CIMT, hepatic ultrasound and fibroscan were done. Liver function tests included hepatic transaminases. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS version 20.0 software. ResultPrevalence of NAFLD was 76% including 12% with moderate to advance liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 DM. CIMT was significantly higher in patients with NAFLD than with normal liver. CIMT positively correlated with severity of liver fibrosis measured by fibroscan. ROC curve analysis showed right CIMT value of 0.575 mm predicting liver fibrosis with sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 78.9%. ConclusionThree fourth of patients with type 2 DM had NAFLD but small proportion had moderate to advance liver fibrosis. CIMT increased more in patients with NAFLD than with normal liver in T2DM. CIMT value of 0.575 mm has a good sensitivity to predict liver fibrosis and therefore, it can be a reliable marker of severity of Non Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH) in diabetes with NAFLD.

Number of Teeth and Nutritional Status Parameters Are Related to Intima-Media Thickness in Dalmatian Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Although kidney transplantation significantly improves the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remains high. Atherosclerosis, post-transplantation metabolic changes, immunosuppressive therapy, and periodontitis contribute to elevated cardiovascular risk in this population. The aim of the study was to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) as a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis and to analyze the possible risk factors for IMT in Dalmatian KTRs. Ninety-three KTRs were included in this study. Data on clinical and laboratory parameters, body composition, anthropometry, advanced glycation end-product (AGE) measurements, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness were collected. All participants underwent ultrasound examination of IMT and evaluation of periodontal status. KTRs with carotid IMT ≥ 0.9 were significantly older, had a lower level of total cholesterol, fat mass, end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and had fewer teeth. They also had significantly higher values of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and resistive index (RI). We found positive correlations between carotid IMT and duration of dialysis, age, PWV, AGE, RI, and average total clinical attachment level (CAL). The regression model showed that IMT in KTRs is associated with higher PWV, lower fat mass, and fewer teeth. The results of our study suggest that nutritional and periodontal status are associated with carotid IMT in KTRs.

MP101 - Evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness and cardiovascular risk factors in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients

MP101 - Evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness and cardiovascular risk factors in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients

Ultrasonography evaluation on the protective effect of combination therapy of beraprost sodium and aspirin on arteries occlusion and stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - a prospective, randomized study

BackgroundPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are susceptible to developing symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD). As a proven vasodilator and antiplatelet agent, the efficiency of Beraprost sodium (BPS) on the prevention of arteries occlusion and stiffness in T2DM patients with PAD has not yet been fully investigated.MethodsFrom July 2010 to April 2012, 64 Patients enrolled were randomly assigned to the combined therapy group (n=32), which received combination therapy with BPS (60 μg/day) and aspirin (100 mg/day), or to the control group (n=32), which only received aspirin (100 mg/day). After randomization, the patients were followed up at years 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 with the evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), inner artery diameter, stenosis rate, and medial arterial calcification (MAC) of lower limb arteries via high-resolution ultrasound measurement. Adverse events were also recorded in each visit.ResultsThere was no significant change of the CIMT during the follow-up in both groups when compared to the baseline. Similar results were also observed in the PWV measurement. Significantly increases in the inner artery diameter of the dorsal pedal artery and posterior tibial artery were observed in patients with BPS and aspirin administration during the follow-up. Patients in the combined therapy group experienced marked improvement of MAC in the dorsal pedal artery and posterior tibial artery at the end of the follow-up. No significant difference in the adverse events was found between the combined therapy group and the aspirin group.ConclusionThe combined therapy of BPS and aspirin showed a protective effect on arteries occlusion and stiffness in T2DM patients with PAD, along with a significant improvement of inner artery diameter and MAC in lower limbs.Trial registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR-TRC-10000919. Prospectively registered on 2010/06/29.

The association of air pollutants exposure with subclinical inflammation and carotid atherosclerosis

BackgroundAir pollution is a well-described environmental factor with evidence suggesting a firm association with cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of exposure to gaseous air pollutants on atherosclerosis burden. Methods1955 inhabitants of the Corinthia region, aged 40 years or older, underwent clinical and biochemical assessment as well as carotid ultrasonography to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and plaque burden. Analyzers recording time series concentration of CO, NO2, and SO2 were located at 4 different open sites (Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4) based on their proximity to industries, highways or shipyards. ResultsA higher concentration of CO, NO2, and SO2 was observed in Region 4 compared to the other regions. Mean cIMT (Region 1: 0.93 ± 0.24 mm; Region 2: 0.96 ± 0.40 mm; Region 3: 0.94 ± 0.39 mm; Region 4: 1.14 ± 0.55 mm, p < 0.001), maximum cIMT (p < 0.001) as well as carotid plaque burden (Region 1: 13.3%; Region 2: 18.8%; Region 3: 22.4%; Region 4: 38.6%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in individuals of Region 4. Inhabitants of Region 4 had also higher levels of C reactive protein (Region 1: 4.56 ± 4.85 mg/l; Region 2: 3.49 ± 4.46 mg/l; Region 3: 4.03 ± 3.32 mg/l, Region 4: 5.16 ± 8.26 mg/l, p < 0.001). Propensity score analysis revealed higher inter-area differences in mean cIMT of individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) (high vs low air pollution area: 1.56 ± 0.80 mm; vs. 1.18 ± 0.54 mm, p < 0.001) while there was no difference in cIMT of the matched population without CAD (p = 0.52). ConclusionsAn increased carotid atherosclerotic and inflammatory burden is observed in inhabitants of areas with the highest concentration of air pollutants.