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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome
06:04

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

Carotid artery wall hypertrophy in children with metabolic syndrome

A Iannuzzi1, M R Licenziati, C Acampora

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, A Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy. lelliann@libero.it

Journal of Human Hypertension
|October 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic syndrome (MS) in children is linked to increased carotid intima-media thickness and lumen diameters, indicating early vascular changes. High-resolution ultrasound can help stratify cardiovascular risk in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Preclinical vascular changes like increased stiffness and wall thickness are noted in children with metabolic risk factors.
  • Metabolic syndrome (MS) in children is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
  • Early detection of vascular changes is crucial for pediatric cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate carotid artery parameters as indicators of vascular health in children with and without metabolic syndrome (MS).
  • To compare carotid intima-media thickness, lumen diameters, and cross-sectional area between children with and without MS.
  • To assess the utility of high-resolution B-mode ultrasound for cardiovascular risk stratification in children with MS.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 38 children with MS and 45 healthy controls, aged 6-14 years.
  • Metabolic syndrome diagnosis based on established criteria including glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, waist circumference, and blood pressure.
  • Carotid B-mode ultrasound was used to measure intima-media thickness, lumen diameters, and calculate carotid cross-sectional area.

Main Results:

  • Children with MS exhibited increased carotid intima-media thickness and lumen diameters compared to controls.
  • Carotid cross-sectional area was significantly higher in children with MS (9.83+/-1.86 mm²) versus controls (7.77+/-1.72 mm²), even after adjustments.
  • These findings indicate detectable carotid hypertrophy in children with MS.

Conclusions:

  • Carotid hypertrophy is evident in children diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
  • High-resolution B-mode ultrasound is a valuable tool for assessing vascular health and stratifying cardiovascular risk in children.
  • Early detection of vascular changes in pediatric MS can inform preventative strategies.

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