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Evaluation of systemic microvascular endothelial function using laser speckle contrast imaging.
Ivan Cordovil1, Grazielle Huguenin, Glorimar Rosa
1National Institute of Cardiology (INC), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Microvascular Research
|February 14, 2012
Summary
Cardiometabolic disease impairs skin microvascular endothelial function, as shown by reduced vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH). Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) effectively evaluates this function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Vascular Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cardiometabolic diseases are associated with endothelial dysfunction.
- Assessing microvascular endothelial function is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
- Non-invasive imaging techniques are needed to evaluate microvascular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cutaneous microvascular function in healthy individuals and patients with cardiometabolic diseases.
- To utilize laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) combined with acetylcholine (ACh) iontophoresis and post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH).
Main Methods:
- Cutaneous blood flow was measured using LSCI in the forearm.
- Responses were assessed at rest, during PORH, and during iontophoresis of ACh with increasing currents (30-180 μA).
Main Results:
- Endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses to ACh and PORH were significantly reduced in patients with cardiometabolic diseases compared to healthy subjects.
- ACh-induced vasodilator responses were higher in young women than in young men.
- Iontophoresis charges up to 1.5 mC showed no nonspecific effects on microvascular flux.
Conclusions:
- Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a promising non-invasive method for assessing systemic microvascular endothelial function.
- Impaired microvascular function is evident in patients with cardiometabolic diseases.