Distal radial arterial hypertrophy after transradial intervention: A serial intravascular ultrasound study

Transradial intervention (TRI) may cause damage to the radial artery (RA). We have demonstrated intima-media thickening and luminal narrowing of the distal RA after TRI using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). This study aimed to determine the predictors of intima-media thickening of RA after TRI in the same patients using serial IVUS.

We enrolled 110 consecutive patients who underwent TRI. IVUS of RA was immediately performed after TRI and repeated 6 months later. Volumetric analyses were performed for the distal RA. The intima-media volume (IMV) increased from 53.56±10.85mm3 to 58.70±13.04mm3 (p=0.0022), whereas the lumen volume (LV) decreased from 146.87±40.53mm3 to 129.64±45.78mm3 (p=0.0018) and vessel volume (VV) decreased from 201.23±44.55mm3 to 188.34±52.25mm3 (p=0.0306). Multiple regression analysis revealed diabetes as the most powerful independent predictor of the percentage change in IMV of the distal RA after TRI. The percentage change in IMV significantly increased in the DM group compared with non-DM group (p<0.001). The percentage change in IMV was significantly positively correlated with HbA1c.

Serial IVUS of the distal RA revealed a significant increase in IMV and decreases in LV and VV. Diabetes was the most powerful independent predictor of the percentage change in IMV of the distal RA after TRI. The percentage change in IMV was significantly positively correlated with HbA1c.