Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
Published on: October 22, 2014
Brachial Artery Wall Stiffness Assessment by Shear Wave Elastography: A Promising New Diagnostic Tool for Endothelial
Fatih Gülşen1, Cesur Samanci1, Emine Sebnem Memis Durmaz1
1Departments of Radiology, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
Objectives:
This study was designed to measure the changes in brachial artery wall stiffness by shear wave elastography (SWE) and evaluate the accuracy of SWE changes for detection of endothelial dysfunction.
Methods:
Sixty-five consecutive participants (19 patients with atherosclerosis proven by coronary angiography, 16 healthy young adults, 15 patients with cardiovascular risk factors, and 15 healthy older adults between 50 and 60 years) were prospectively included in this study. They were examined in the same week by SWE, and flow-mediated dilatation was evaluated for each patient.
Results:
The mean flow-mediated dilatation values ± 2 SDs after forearm occlusion were 8.54% ± 1.4% in healthy young adults, 7.61% ± 1.4% in healthy older adults, 5.83% ± 0.7% in patients with risk factors (P < .001), and 3.81% ± 2.4% in patients with atherosclerosis (P < .001, with respect to the risk factor group). There was a significant decrease in stiffness measurements in parallel with the increase in flow-mediated dilatation: 19.9% ± 6.3% in healthy young adults, 16.3% ± 5.1% in healthy older adults, 9.8% ± 5.4% in patients with risk factors (P < .05 with respect to the group with no risk factors), and 7.8% ± 6.4% in patients with atherosclerosis (P < .001 with respect to the healthy older adults).
Conclusions:
Shear wave elastography in combination with flow-mediated dilatation could be a promising, widely available noninvasive diagnostic tool for detecting endothelial dysfunction.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
02:12The Wave Nature of Light
02:43Plant Cell Wall
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...