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Intima-media thickness: correlation between carotids, vertebral artery, aorta and femoral arteries
E Carneiro Neiva Neto1, M J Piatto, A Ferraz Paschôa
1Serviço de Cirurgia Vascular Integrada of the Beneficencia Portuguesa Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Intima-media thickness (IMT) measurements in various arteries, including the carotid, vertebral, femoral, and aorta, show significant correlations. This suggests routine examination of these arteries can aid in early atherosclerotic disease diagnosis for high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Atherosclerotic disease poses a significant health risk.
- Early detection of atherosclerotic disease is crucial for effective management.
- Intima-media thickness (IMT) is a marker for atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare intima-media thickness (IMT) across multiple arteries.
- To assess the potential of various arteries as markers for atherosclerotic disease.
- To evaluate the correlation of IMT in the internal carotid artery with other major arteries.
Main Methods:
- Fifty patients with atherosclerotic risk factors were enrolled.
- IMT was measured in the carotid, vertebral, femoral arteries, and abdominal aorta.
- Spearman correlation coefficient and Kappa index were used for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was observed between IMT values of all examined arteries (IMT ≥ 0.8mm).
- The highest agreement was found between the external carotid artery and common carotid artery compared to the internal carotid artery.
- Positive correlation was noted for IMT values across all tested arteries.
Conclusions:
- A significant positive correlation exists between the IMT of the internal carotid artery and the vertebral and femoral arteries, as well as the abdominal aorta.
- Routine examination of these arteries can provide valuable findings for early diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease.
- This study supports the use of non-invasive IMT measurements in accessible arteries for risk stratification.
Aim:
Compare the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the internal carotid artery with the IMT of the common and external carotid, vertebral and femoral arteries and the abdominal aorta to assess the possibility of using these arteries as markers of atherosclerotic disease.
Methods:
Fifty patients with atherosclerosic risk factors were examined and the IMT was determined in the carotid arteries and compared with the values of IMT of the vertebral and femoral arteries and the abdominal aorta. The Spearman correlation coefficient and Kappa index were used for statistical analysis.
Results:
Considering IMT equal or greater than 0,8mm, there was positive and significant correlation between the values obtained for the examined arteries. The best agreement was found between the external and common carotid artery as compared to the internal carotid. (accuracy of 73.5% and 79.2%, respectively). For all arteries the was a positive correlation of the values of the EMI.
Conclusion:
There is positive and significant correlation between the IMT of the internal carotid artery and the vertebral and femoral arteries and abdominal aorta. Routine examinations of either one of these arteries can ad important findings regarding early diagnosis for higher risk patients concerning atherosclerotic disease.
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