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Arterial wall thickness measurements by B mode ultrasonography in patients with Takayasu's arteritis
R O Raninen1, M M Kupari, M S Pamilo
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Helsinki University, Central Hospital, Finland.
Insights
Arterial ultrasonography effectively detects widespread arterial wall thickening in Takayasu
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Takayasu's arteritis is a large-vessel vasculitis affecting the aorta and its branches.
- Early diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for managing Takayasu's arteritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using arterial ultrasonography for Takayasu's arteritis.
- To assess the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in identifying characteristic arterial wall changes.
Main Methods:
- B-mode ultrasonography was used to measure arterial wall thickness.
- Common carotid, subclavian, common femoral arteries, and abdominal aorta were examined.
- 16 patients with Takayasu's arteritis and 16 healthy controls were included.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased total wall and intimal+medial thickness were observed in most arteries of patients with Takayasu's arteritis.
- Characteristic findings included long segments of homogeneous, circumferential wall thickening.
- All patients with Takayasu's arteritis showed abnormal wall thickness in at least one examined artery compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- B-mode ultrasonography is a feasible method for diagnosing Takayasu's arteritis.
- Ultrasonography can reveal the characteristic arterial wall thickening associated with the disease.
- This imaging technique may aid in the detection and follow-up of Takayasu's arteritis.
Objective:
To assess the feasibility and potential diagnostic usefulness of arterial ultrasonography in Takayasu's arteritis.
Methods:
The total wall, intimal + medial, and adventitial thickness of the common carotid, subclavian and common femoral arteries, and of the abdominal aorta, were examined by B mode ultrasonography in 16 patients with Takayasu's arteritis and 16 healthy control subjects.
Results:
The mean total wall and intimal + medial thickness of all arteries other than the common femoral were significantly increased in Takayasu's arteritis. Long segments of homogeneous circumferential wall thickening in multiple vessels were characteristic. When the common carotid and subclavian arteries and the abdominal aorta were examined, each individual with Takayasu's arteritis had at least one artery with total wall thickness exceeding the reference range in controls.
Conclusions:
B mode ultrasonography is able to expose the widespread arterial wall thickening characteristic of Takayasu's arteritis and may provide a useful tool for the detection and follow up of this disease.