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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
08:42

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research

Published on: October 22, 2014

Impaired endothelial function in patients with myocardial bridge

Mehdi Zoghi1, Hamza Duygu, Sanem Nalbantgil

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Ege University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey.

Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|August 17, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Myocardial bridging (MB) is linked to impaired endothelial function and increased atherosclerosis risk. Patients with MB show reduced brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation, with more severe dysfunction when atherosclerosis is present proximal to the bridge.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • The association between myocardial bridging (MB) and ischemic heart disease remains debated.
  • Evaluating atherosclerosis and endothelial function in MB patients is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess atherosclerosis and brachial artery endothelial function in patients with myocardial bridging.
  • To investigate the relationship between MB, atherosclerosis, and endothelial dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were used to evaluate 50 MB patients and 30 controls.
  • Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and nitrate-dependent dilatation assessed endothelial function.
  • Patients were stratified based on IVUS findings: without (IA) or with (IB) atherosclerotic lesions.

Main Results:

  • MB patients exhibited significantly lower FMD compared to controls (6.4% vs 11%, P <0.001).
  • Group IA (no atherosclerosis) showed higher FMD (7%) than Group IB (with atherosclerosis, 5.8%, P = 0.023).
  • Atherosclerotic plaque was found proximal to the MB in 75% of Group IB patients.

Conclusions:

  • Endothelial function is impaired in patients with myocardial bridging.
  • Atherosclerosis shows a tendency to occur proximal to the MB.
  • Endothelial dysfunction is more pronounced in MB patients with proximal atherosclerosis.
Abstract

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