Quality Intima-media Thickness Research Articles

Analysis of Quality Intima-Media Thickness and Quantitative Artery Stiffness technologies on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a study on carotid artery structure, elasticity, and influential factors in patients

Analysis of Quality Intima-Media Thickness and Quantitative Artery Stiffness technologies on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a study on carotid artery structure, elasticity, and influential factors in patients

Dependence of local carotid arterial stiffness on the presence of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid basin in hypertensive patients

Aim. To evaluate the viscoelastic properties of the common carotid arteries (CCA) in patients with stage II hypertension (HTN) and to compare these indicators between groups with and without carotid artery (CA) stenosis <50 %. Materials and methods. The study included 48 patients with stage II HTN, mean age – 55.9 years, 45.8 % men. Basic anthropometric data, laboratory parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, creatinine, quality intima-media thickness (QIMT), local stiffness indicators: artery diameter, distensibility, distensibility coefficient (DC), compliance coefficient (CC), stiffness indices α, β, local pulse wave velocity (PWV), pressure and augmentation index (using RF-QIMT, RF-QAS technologies) were studied. Statistical analysis was performed, p values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. CA atheromas with stenosis up to 50 % were found in 48 % of the examined, they were older with higher parameters of vessel diameter by 4.6 %, QIMT – by 12.5 %, α index – by 28.0 %, β index – by 27.7 %, and PWV – by 14.7 %. A medium-strength positive correlation has been revealed for age, QIMT, HDL, creatinine level and local stiffness parameters (distensibility, CC, PWV, indices α, β). The atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) presence in the CA was associated with the limit levels of the left CCA QIMT over 698 μm (sensitivity 65.2 %, specificity 86.6 %, p < 0.01), of the right – over 598 μm (sensitivity 73.9 %, specificity 66.6 %, p < 0.01). However, a greater dependence on age than on the presence of atheroma has been proven. At the same time, the odds ratio of the ASP presence was 2.99-fold higher (p = 0.0065) with an increase in the CCA diameter of more than 7.94 mm, and in the multivariate model incorporating age – 2.6-fold higher (p = 0.036), while age has not impacted significantly (p = 0.301) the prognosis. Conclusions. In individuals with stage II HTN, the presence of CA atherosclerosis with stenosis up to 50 % is associated with a significant increase in vessel diameter regardless of age. CCA intima media thickness depends more on the age of hypertensive patients.

Correlation analysis of structural and functional changes in the carotid artery in patients with H-type hypertension using ultrasound radiofrequency.

To perform a correlation analysis on the structural and functional changes of the carotid artery in patients with H-type hypertension. Outpatients and inpatients with hypertension in our hospital between 2017 and 2018 were selected and divided into the H-type hypertension group (primary hypertension + plasma homocysteine ≥ 10umol/l) (n = 30) and the simple hypertension group (primary hypertension + plasma Hcy < 10umol/l) (n = 30) based on the plasma homocysteine (Hcy), and 30 healthy people were included in the control group. Thickness and stiffness parameters of the intima of the carotid artery (compliance coefficient [CC], stiffness index [β], and pulse wave velocity [PWV]) were measured for all study participants using ultrasound radiofrequency signal-based quality intima-media thickness (QIMT) and quantitative arterial stiffness (QAS) for contrast analysis. Indexes such as QIMT, β, and PWV of the carotid artery were significantly higher, and the CC was significantly lower in the H-type hypertension group and simple hypertension group than the control group (p < .05), and the difference was statistically significant; these indexes were significantly higher in the H-type hypertension group than in the simple hypertension group, and the CC was significantly lower than in the control group (p < .05), and the difference was statistically significant. Hypertension can accelerate structural and functional changes of the carotid artery intima, with these changes being more significant in H-type hypertension. The ultrasound radiofrequency technique can be used to quantitatively evaluate the structure and function of the carotid artery in patients with H-type hypertension.

Preliminary study of carotid variables under ultrasound analysis as predictors for the risk of coronary arterial atherosclerosis.

BackgroundCarotid atherosclerosis by ultrasound scanning can be considered as an ideal window to reflect systemic artery atherosclerosis, which has aroused wide concern for predicting the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis clinically. Ultrasound radio frequency (RF) data technology has enabled us to evaluate the carotid structure and elastic function precisely, for predicting the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis.MethodsPatients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent coronary angiography and were assigned to four groups according to whether atherosclerotic plaque was found or not and it caused stenosis. Carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) and arterial stiffness were investigated by quality intima‐media thickness (QIMT) and quality arterial stiffness (QAS) techniques during ultrasound scanning. Univariable and multivariable modeling were used to investigate correlations of carotid parameters to coronary artery atherosclerosis. Receive operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate diagnostic performance of these ultrasound variables.ResultsCarotid IMT and stiffness variables pulse wave velocity (PWV), α, β and compliance coefficient (CC) were statistically different between every two‐group's comparisons. IMT correlated with stiffness variables significantly with r = 0.70, 0.77, 0.63, and −0.39, respectively. All variables correlated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis with the odd ratio (OR) of 1.73, 1.67, 1.19, 1.23, and 0.56 accordingly as IMT, PWV, α, β and CC were concerned. The AUC of IMT, PWV, α, β and CC were 0.9257, 0.8910, 0.8016, 0.9383, 0.8581 with correctly classified rate of 88.16%, 83.77%, 78.07%, 86.84%, and 81.58%, respectively.ConclusionsCarotid artery IMT and stiffness variable PWV, α, β and CC presented favorable predicting and differentiating values for patients with coronary atherosclerosis of different severity.

Increased Platelet Reactivity and Proinflammatory Profile Are Associated with Intima-Media Thickness and Arterial Stiffness in Prediabetes.

Alterations of glucose homeostasis are associated with subclinical vascular damage; however, the role of platelet reactivity in this process has not been fully investigated. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the correlation between markers of platelet reactivity and inflammation and markers of vascular disease in subjects with prediabetes. Markers of platelet reactivity such as 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 urinary levels (11-dh-TXB2) and mean platelet volume (MPV) and inflammatory indexes such as platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were evaluated in subjects with prediabetes (n = 48), new-onset type 2 diabetes (NODM, n = 60) and controls (n = 62). Furthermore, we assessed the cardiovascular risk profile of the study population with arterial stiffness and quality intima–media thickness (qIMT). Subjects with prediabetes and NODM exhibited higher 11-dh-TXB2 urinary levels and MPV and a proinflammatory profile with an increased PLR, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, ferritin and fibrinogen. Furthermore, after multiple regression analyses, we found that urinary 11-dh-TXB2 was one of the major determinants of IMT and arterial stiffness parameters. In conclusion, subjects with prediabetes exhibit increased platelet reactivity as well as a proinflammatory profile. Furthermore, this condition is associated with early markers of cardiovascular disease.

Gender is a determinant of carotid artery stiffness independent of age and blood pressure

To identify the gender-specific differences in carotid artery structural and stiffening parameters by radiofrequency ultrasound (RFU) with an automatic arterial stiffness analyzing system. Seventy-two consecutive individuals (32 males and 40 females, age range from 36 to 62 years) with no history of significant cardiovascular diseases or carotid artery plaques were enrolled between September and December 2017. Quality intima-media thickness (QIMT) and quality arterial stiffness (QAS) parameters were automatically computed, including pulse wave velocity (PWV), vascular distension, compliance coefficient (CC), distensibility coefficient (DC), stiffness index α and β, augmentation pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx). Those parameters were compared between males and females. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the independent association between gender and RFU parameters. The mean age had no difference between males and females (47.8 ± 3.3 vs 50.0 ± 8.5 years, p = 0.19). Females had higher systolic blood pressure (134.53 ± 9.65 vs 127.78 ± 6.12 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (85.83 ± 3.94 vs 78.03 ± 5.22 mm Hg), greater carotid QIMT (598.73 ± 72.16 vs 550.84 ± 29.37 µm), advanced PWV (8.08 ± 1.60 vs 6.24 ± 0.70 m/s), higher stiffness index α (6.21 ± 1.94 vs 3.95 ± 0.78) and β (9.43 ± 3.17 vs 6.38 ± 0.78), higher AP (6.68 ± 2.24 vs 3.64 ± 1.22 mm Hg) and AIx (7.42 ± 2.08 vs 4.69 ± 1.26%), all p < 0.001. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated gender was independently associated with carotid structural and elastic parameters. Gender independently impacts carotid structure and function, with females more vulnerable to the progression of arterial aging. Awareness of the gender differences on the risk stratification of carotid artery disease will benefit reliable assessments and specific management recommendations in clinical practice. (1) RFU provides an μm-unit quality IMT measurement and multiple quality arterial stiffness parameters. (2) Gender is an independent determinant in both the arterial structural and elastic aspects, with females of stiffer arteries in low CVD risk individuals.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Healthy Children and Adolescents: Normative Data and Systematic Literature Review.

Objectives: Early identification of children at risk of atherosclerosis is of paramount importance for implementing primary preventive measures addressing vascular health. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a non-invasive biomarker of atherosclerosis. Semiautomatic radiofrequency-based software-guided technique quality intima-media thickness (RF-QIMT) was used to determine cIMT normative values in a healthy cohort of Caucasian children aged 6 to 18 years.Study design: In a cross-sectional study, data on age, chronic illness, medication use, and pubertal status was acquired by a questioner. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed by standardized methods and trained medical personnel. cIMT of the right common carotid artery far wall (1 centimeter proximal to bifurcation) was determined using a multifrequency (3–13 MHz) electronic linear array transducer SL1543, a portable ultrasound device (MyLab Gamma Esaote, Genoa, Italy), and RF-QIMT software. A systematic review of the published normal cIMT in children was done using PRISMA methodology, and identified normative values were compared to those obtained in the presented study.Results: 1137 non-obese normotensive children (males: n = 512; mean age 12.04 ± 3.52 years, females: n = 625, mean age 12.98 ± 3.83 years) were included. Gender-, age-, and height-specific mean cIMT percentile tables, percentile charts, and LMS tables for the RF-QIMT method were provided. They were comparable to the previously published data on mean cIMT gained by other validated ultrasound imaging techniques. cIMT increased with age, height, hip circumference, and BMI and was higher in males.Conclusions: Gender-, age-, and height-specific normative cIMT values, using the semiautomatic software-guided RF-QIMT technique, in children aged 6 to 18 years were developed and validated in respect to the previously published pediatric normative cIMT data. It is suggested that the investigated method could be used for the estimation of atherosclerotic risk in children, especially in epidemiological studies.

Spectral Doppler and automated software-guided ultrasound assessment of bilateral common carotid intima-media thickness in spondyloarthritis: is there a correlation with clinical findings?

Background and aimLimited information is currently available about whether carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) correlates with the degree of disease activity in spondyloarthritis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between articular and carotid ultrasound data and laboratory and clinical variables in patients with spondyloarthritis.MethodsTwenty-two patients with spondyloarthritis, recruited consecutively via the spondyloarthritis service of the Universidade Pontifícia Católica de Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, were assessed using carotid artery ultrasound (radiofrequency quality intima-media thickness, RF-QIMT), joint ultrasound, clinical evaluation, and laboratory tests.ResultsMean (standard deviation, SD) carotid RF-QIMT was 0.643 (0.16) mm. Mean (SD) resistive index (RI) values for the right and left carotid arteries were 0.67 (0.12) and 0.82 (0.38), respectively. Mean (SD) RI values for the right and left sacroiliac joints were 1.10 (0.97) and 0.94 (0.13), respectively. Several significant correlations were detected between ultrasound, clinical, and laboratory variables. Notably, there were correlations between sacroiliac RI and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.027) and RF-QIMT (p=0.037); between RF-QIMT and Framingham score (p=0.012) and metabolic parameters, including abdominal waist measurement, body mass index (BMI) (p=0.032 to p=0.044).ConclusionsIn patients with spondyloarthritis, RF-QIMT detected atherosclerotic changes in the carotid artery wall, and spectral Doppler detected inflammatory activity in sacroiliac joints. Positive correlations were observed between these ultrasound findings and parameters reflecting patients’ metabolic profile and alterations in inflammatory markers.

Evaluation of early changes of femoral artery elasticity in type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with microalbuminuria patients using ultrasound radio-frequency

Objective To evaluate early changes of femoral artery elasticity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) combined with microalbuminuria (MA) patients using ultrasound radio-frequency technology, and to study the clinical significance. Methods 51 T2DM without MA patients were enrolled in Group A, and 53 T2DM with MA patients were enrolled in Group B. In order to observe the early elastic changes in the subjects, two-dimensional ultrasound was used to eliminate patients whose intima-media thickness (IMT) was >1 mm. The femoral arteries were imaged by two-dimensional ultrasonography, and then the IMT, femoral artery inner diameter (D), distensibility coefficient (DC), compliance coefficient (CC), elasticity coefficient (α and β), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were real-time tested using quality intima-media thickness (QIMT) and quality arterial stiffness (QAS) analyzing systems. Besides, the differences and correlation analyses of these parameters between the two groups were conducted. In addition, some other parameters of sujects in both group A and B were also determined and analysed, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), creatinine (CREA), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FPG), 2h postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG) and body mass index (BMI). Results There were no significant differences in the elastic parameters of femoral arteries between the male and female subjects (P>0.05), and between left and right sides (P>0.05) within a same group. Compared with group A, group B had lower CC and DC (P 0.05). The levels of TG, HbA1c, FPG and 2hPG in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P 0.05). Conclusions The decrease of arterial elastic function is earlier than morphological changes, that is, it may have occurred before MA in T2DM patients. The application of ultrasound radio-frequency analyzing technology has certain significance in the clinical early diagnosis and treatment. Key words: Ultrasonography; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Microalbuminuria; Femoral artery

Carotid Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease–Related Pulmonary Hypertension Assessed with Radio Frequency Data Technique

It has been well known that pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by congenital heart disease (CHD) leads to reduced flexibility of the small pulmonary arteries, due to hemodynamic changes in the pulmonary circulation and alterations of the vasoactive profile. However, whether CHD-related PH affects the elasticity of the systemic arteries, such as the common carotid artery (CCA), has not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore the CCA stiffness in patients with CHD-related PH using the radio frequency data technique. Forty patients with CHD were included. They were divided into PH and non-PH (NPH) groups by the right heart catheter-determined or regurgitation velocity-determined mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP). MyLabTwice (Esaote, Genoa, Italy) ultrasound machine equipped with automatic quality intima-media thickness (QIMT) and quality arterial stiffness (QAS) capabilities was used to measure the left common carotid arterial (CCA) intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness parameters. The results have shown that the left CCA internal diameter, pulse wave velocity, arterial wall tension, and local diastolic pressure were increased in the CHD-related PH group compared with the CHD-related NPH group (all P<0.05). The left CCA internal diameter negatively and significantly correlated with the mean PAP. Common carotid artery diameter and stiffness increase in patients with CHD-related pulmonary hypertension. QIMT and QAS ultrasound techniques may provide a comprehensive assessment of the CCA remodeling.

Ultrasound radiofrequency-data technique assessment of carotid: a reproducibility study

Objective To evaluate the reproducibility of quality intima-media thickness(QIMT) and quality arterial stiffness (QAS) technique in assessment of carotid under different measuring methods.Methods Between December 2012 and January 2014,carotid QIMT and QAS examinations were carried out in 30 health volunteers.QIMT and QAS indicators included IMT in QIMT and distensibility coefficient (DC),compliance coefficient(CC),stiffness index α(α),stiffness index β(β),pulse wave velocity(PWV) in QAS.The measurement employed unilateral/once,bilateral/twice,and unilateral/twice methods.Using intra observer and inter-observer variability,the reproducibility was compared between different QIMT and QAS indicators and measuring methods.Results Extremely high level of intra-observer reproducibility was found for both QIMT and QAS technique (ICC＞0.8).QIMT also showed an excellent inter observer reproducibility (ICC＞0.8).In contrast,the reproducibility of QAS technique varied in different indicators (PWV β ≈ α CC DC) and method ( ＞ bilateral/twice ＞ unilateral/twice).Conclusions QIMT measurement was highly reproducible.Whereas the reproducibility of QAS technique varied in different indicators and methods.Due to low reproducibility,the study result did not support the clinical application of DC indicator and unilateral/once method. Key words: Ultrasonography; Carotid arteries; Carotid intima-media thickness; Reproducibility of results

Assessment of peripheral arterial structural and stiffness changes in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease by quality intima-media thickness and quality arterial stiffness techniques

Objective To assess the peripheral arterial structural and elastic remodeling in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD).Methods Thirty-one patients with LEAD and 34 age-,sex-matched healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled in this study.The intima-media thickness (IMT),diameter (D) and parameters of arterial stiffness (β,pulse wave velocity (PWVβ)) were measured by acquiring the longitudinal view of left and right common femoral artery (LCFA,RCFA) and common carotid artery (LCCA,RCCA) by quality intima-media thickness (QIMT) and quality arterial stiffness (QAS) techniques.The factors correlated with arterial stiffness in LEAD patients were analyzed.Results ① The systolic blood pressure(SBP),pulse pressure(PP),smoking pack-year and smoking extent (nonsmoker,smoker with ＜40 pack-year,or smoker with ≥40 pack-year) were significantly higher in LEAD group than those in the control group (P ＜0.05).②IMT of the LCCA and the diameters (D) of LCCA and RCCA were significantly increased in the LEAD group (P ＜0.05-0.01).As to the both sides CFA,IMT and IMT/D values were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.01).The mean IMT (mIMT) of both sides of CCA and CFA were increased (P ＜0.05).The values of β,PWVβ of LCCA and PWVβ of RCCA were significantly increased,and β and PWVβ values of both sides of CFA were significantly increased in the LEAD group (P ＜ 0.05).There was a positive correlation between the stiffness indexes of the carotid artery and that of the femoral artery (P ＜0.01).③The femoral mβ was correlated with femoral mIMT,SBP,PP,smoking amount and smoking extent,and the femoral mPWVβ was also correlated with mIMT,age,SBP,PP,smoking pack-year and smoking extent (P ＜0.05-0.01).In multivariable stepwise regression analysis,mIMT and PP were factors independently correlated with femoral mβ.And SBP,smoking extent,and mIMT were independently correlated with femoral mPWVβ.Conclusions Peripheral arteries in patients with LEAD experience vascular remodeling,as well as increased carotid and femoral stiffness.Femoral stiffness is correlated with IMT,arterial blood pressure and smoking extent. Key words: Elasticity imaging techniques; Atherosclerosis; Carotid arteries; Femoral artery; Stiffness ; Remodeling

Evaluation of carotid artery elasticity changes in patients with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundType 2 diabetes is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular disease as it causes arterial stiffness changes. The purpose of this study is to characterize, in vivo, carotid arterial structural and functional changes by applying radio frequency and X-strain ultrasound techniques.MethodsNinety-one subjects were assigned into two groups; a diabetes group and a control group. Structural and functional changes in the common carotid arterial wall were investigated by quality intima-media thickness (QIMT), quality arterial stiffness (QAS), and X-strain analysis with a Mylab Twice ultrasound instrument. The relationships among variables between the two groups were analyzed in this study.ResultsThere was no significant difference in carotid IMT (626.5 ± 169.1 μm vs. 568.5 ± 122.6 μm, P = 0.1506) between two groups. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and stiffness index (β) were remarkably greater (8.388 ± 3.254 m/s vs. 7.269 ± 1.332 m/s; 12.51 ± 14.16 vs.9.279 ± 2.871), while compliance coefficient (CC) decreased significantly in the diabetes group (0.802 ± 0.3094 mm2/Kpa vs. 0.968 ± 0.3992 mm2/Kpa) (P < 0.05). The displacement difference of radial (RD-D), longitudinal (LD-D) and rotation (ROT-D) directions were significantly different between two groups’ comparison (P = 0.0212, P = 0.0235 and P = 0.0072, respectively). The time of circumferential peak strain difference (CS-DT) and the time of radial peak strain rate (RSR-T) were found to be significantly different between the two groups (341.9 ± 77.56 ms vs. 369.0 ± 78.26 ms, P = 0.0494; 142.7 ± 22.43 ms vs. 136.2 ± 30.70 ms, P = 0.0474). CS-TD and RSR-T were also found to be positively correlated with CC value (r = 0.3908, P < 0.005 and r = 0.3027, P = 0.0326, respectively). Finally, PWV was negatively correlated with CC with (r = –0.6177, P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn type 2 diabetes, the functional changes in CCA can be identified using the methods presented in this article earlier than the structural changes. Arterial stiffness values provided by QAS and X-strain analysis can be used as indicators of CCA functional lesions in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Carotid arterial intima–media thickness and arterial stiffness in pre‐eclampsia: analysis with a radiofrequency ultrasound technique

Whether arterial elasticity is reduced in preeclampsia has been investigated only rarely. This study aimed to characterize in vivo the carotid arterial intima–media thickness (IMT) and mechanical properties in women with pre-eclampsia by employing a radiofrequency ultrasound technique. We included 22 late-onset pre-eclamptic pregnant women and 28 normotensive pregnant women who were matched for age (29 ± 6 vs. 27 ± 3, P=0.09) and gestational age (36.0 ± 3.2 vs. 35.8 ± 2.4 weeks, P=0.802). All women were nulliparous with singleton pregnancy. The pre-eclamptic women had a significantly higher arterial pressure than did the normotensive women (P<0.0001). All women underwent right common carotid arterial measurements with an ultrasound machine equipped with automatic Quality IMT (QIMT) and Quality Arterial Stiffness (QAS) capability. At follow-up examination 18 months after parturition, measurements were repeated in 10 of the pre-eclamptic women and 11 of the normotensive women. In pre-eclamptic compared with normotensive pregnancy, carotid arterial IMT (459 ± 95 vs. 351 ± 85 μm, P=0.0001), internal diameter (7.8 ± 0.5 vs. 7.2 ± 0.4 mm, P<0.0001), pulse wave velocity (7.1 ± 1.7 vs. 6.0 ± 1.5 m/s, P=0.007), augmentation index (7.9 ± 9.2 vs. −5.0 ± 5.6%, P<0.0001) and arterial wall tension (55.0 ± 6.5 vs. 38.6 ± 4.9 mmHg/cm, P<0.0001) were significantly greater, and the distensibility coefficient (0.020 ± 0.009 vs. 0.029 ± 0.011 1/kPa, P=0.006) was significantly smaller, remaining so after adjusting for body mass index and carotid arterial pressure. Eighteen months after parturition, carotid arterial internal diameter, pressure and wall tension remained greater in the pre-eclamptic group. Carotid arterial remodeling, including changes in arterial internal diameter and wall thickness, and arterial stiffening occur in pre-eclampsia but this may reverse, to some extent, postpartum. QIMT and QAS techniques together could provide a comprehensive assessment of carotid arterial remodeling.

EVALUATION OF STRUCTURE AND ELASTICITY OF THE COMMON CAROTID ARTERY IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA SYNDROME BY ULTRASOUND RADIOFREQUENCY-DATA TECHNOLOGY

ObjectivesTo evaluate the structure and elasticity of the common carotid artery (CCA) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) by ultrasound RF-data technology with Quality Intima Media Thickness (QIMT)...

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON QUALITY INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS AND QUALITY ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN EARLY ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN RABBITS

ObjectivesTo evaluate the characteristics for the changes and the feasibility of Quality Intima-media Thickness (QIMT) and Quality Arterial Stiffness (QAS) in different pathological grades of atherosclerosis by using pathological indexes...

Differences in left and right carotid intima–media thickness and the associated risk factors

To investigate the difference between the left and right carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) with increasing age and to analyse the importance of the various risk factors associated with left and right CIMT, respectively. Four hundred and forty-seven people were assigned into six groups based on age. CIMT and haemodynamic parameters of both carotid arteries were measured using the Quality Intima-Media Thickness (QIMT) technique. In addition, biochemical and anthropometric indices were also measured. Their associations were evaluated using simple and partial correlation analysis, adjusted for age. Bilateral CIMTs became thicker with age (p<0.001) and the left CIMT was significantly thicker compared with the right between the ages of 35 and 65 years (p=0.01-0.05). In addition, the right CIMT thickened 10 years later compared with the left. Partial correlation analysis showed that the right CIMT correlated better with haemodynamic parameters compared with the left CIMT, but the left CIMT showed better correlation with biochemical indices. Haemodynamic and biochemical changes had different effects on the CIMT depending on the side affected. In addition, the left CIMT was thicker than the right between the ages of 35 and 65 years old.

Study on the relations between homodynamic parameters and structure of common carotid artery among the Ethnic She Population, China

To study the changes of intima-media thickness (IMT) in ambi-common carotid arteries (ambi-CCA) and how they correlated with factors related to quality intima-media thickness (QIMT). According to the Chinese Arterial Stiffness Evaluation (CASE) project, the IMT of (ambi-CCA) was measured by QIMT and 2-D ultrasound respectively in 433 She people aged 15 - 87 (mean 49.03 ± 13.54). Difference and tendency were analyzed on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), pulse pressure (PP), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride. The whole population was classified into 3 groups by tertiles of pulse pressure. (1) Significant positive correlations were found between ambi-CCA IMT and pulse pressure (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between tertile1 and tertile 2 of IMT in the left CCA (P > 0.05) found, but with significant difference among the tertile groups, respectively (P < 0.05). There were significant differences among the three groups of IMT in the right CCA, respectively (P < 0.01). (2) The regression factors of IMT in left CCA were age, pulse pressure, weight, LDL-C, blood glucose (BG), TG, and their regression equation was LCC-IMT = 32.61 + 4.29 (age) + 1.77 (PP) + 1.87 (weight) + 16.52 (LDL-C) + 11.77 (BG) - 9.92 (TG), with r = 0.663 and r(2) = 0.44, (P < 0.001). The regression factors of IMT in right CCA were age, PP, height and their regression equation was RCC-IMT = 5.19 (age) + 1.61 (PP) + 2.62 (height) - 219.36, with r = 0.636 and r(2) = 0.41 (P < 0.001). There were differences seen on IMT of CCA in the PP and position and were correlated with age, PP, body weight, LDL-C, BG, TC and body height. The difference of ambi-CCA should be called for attention.

Significance of new parameters in evaluation the function of carotid artery

Objective To evaluate the parameters of inner diameter different rate (D%), mean wave intensity(MWl) and diameter-adjusted mean wave intension(DAMWI) in assessing the function of common carotid artery(CCA) by quality intima-media thickness(QIMT) technique. Methods Twenty-four healthy subjects were performed 2D and CDFI examination under the normal quiescent and cold pressor test(CPT) condition respectively. The diastolic and systolic diameters of left-CCA were measured by QIMT respectively. Corresponding the inner diameter different range,rate,MWI and DAMWI were calculated respectively. The curves of their ROC were drawn. Results The different range and rate of diameters were decreased when subjects suffered CPT (P 0. 05). Conclusions Conclusions The changed rate of diameter can be measured exactly by QIMT. The function of CCA can Be evaluated by MW1 and DAMWI which were calculated by conventional parameters. Key words: Ultrasonography; Carotid arteries ; Cold pressor test

Superimposition of the drainage in central Texas

<h3>Background</h3> Carotid plaque (CP) detected by ultrasonography and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) are useful surrogate markers for subclinical atherosclerosis and good predictors of cardiovascular disease in the general population and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). <h3>Objectives</h3> Our aim was to determine if cIMT may predict the presence of carotid plaques. <h3>Methods</h3> We evaluated 670 RA patients from NW Spain without previous history cardiovascular events. Carotid ultrasonography was performed by a MyLab 70 scanner (Esaote; Genoa, Italy), equipped with 7–12 MHz linear transducer and the <i>automated software guided technique radiofrequency</i> – <i>Quality Intima Media Thickness</i> in <i>real</i>-<i>time</i> (<i>QIMT</i>, <i>Esaote</i>, <i>Maastricht</i>, <i>Holland</i>). The cIMT was determined as the average of three measurements in each common carotid artery. The final cIMT was the largest average cIMT (left or right). Carotid plaque was defined according to the Manheim Consensus Conference criteria. Based on studies reported in non-rheumatic patients, a cIMT was considered as associated with high cardiovascular risk if it was ≥0.90 mm. <h3>Results</h3> Unilateral and bilateral carotid plaque frequency and cIMT values are summarized in table 1. cIMT values were 0.619±0.105 mm in patients without plaques and 0.774 ± 0.161 mm in those with plaques (p&lt;0.001). Using 0.90 mm as the cIMT cut-off value for high cardiovascular risk, the sensitivity to detect carotid plaques was 21.2% and the specificity 99%. A ROC curve comparing the presence of carotid plaque and cIMT was performed, being the area under the curve 0.795. The best cIMT cut-off point to determine the presence of plaques was considered as the one with the highest sensitivity and specificity. According to that, 0.670 mm was found to be the best cut-off point, being sensitivity and specificity for plaque detection 71.9% and 74% respectively. Positive predictive value for a cIMT ≥0.670 mm was 78.3% in our population, being 66.8% the negative predictive value. Regarding bilateral plaques, a cIMT cut-off value of 0.90 mm had sensitivity of 27.7% and specificity of 96.6%. The ROC curve showed that the best cut-off point for bilateral plaque detection was also 0.670 mm with sensitivity 79.1% and specificity 64.2%. <h3>Conclusions</h3> In Spanish RA patients cIMT ≥0.670 mm is a good predictor of carotid plaques. Our study suggests the possibility of considering a cIMT lower than 0.90 mm as a predictor of high cardiovascular risk in RA. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared