Multi-directional blood flow in the femoral artery via vector flow imaging: Doppler ultrasound imaging insights.

The accuracy of femoral artery blood flow measurements via Doppler ultrasound hinges on assumptions of laminar flow upstream of the femoral bifurcation. Existing scanning guidelines recommend a minimum proximity of 2-3cm distal to the flow divider for avoiding multi-directional blood flow yet lack experimental evidence to support this recommendation. This study aimed to determine the minimum distance required to avoid multi-directional flow contamination near the femoral bifurcation and to assess the reliability of vector flow imaging (VFI) in these measurements. Twenty healthy adults (10 females, 25±4yrs) participated in this study. Ultrasound VFI was employed to visualize blood flow patterns, quantify flow uniformity via vector concentration coefficient (VCC), and multi-directional flow length was quantified at rest in triplicate (n=20), post-isometric contraction (n=20), and during thigh cuffing (n=10). At rest, the mean multi-directional flow length was 3.12±0.59cm, which decreased to 2.80±0.66cm post-contraction (P=0.02). Thigh cuffing (80mmHg) resulted in a multi-directional flow length of 2.75±0.64cm, not significantly different from rest (P=0.69). Males exhibited a shorter multi-directional flow length compared to females (mean difference: 0.31±0.71cm, P=0.05). The VCC increased from 0.39±0.08 at rest to 0.57±0.15 post-contraction (P<0.01), indicating increased flow uniformity. Reliability metrics demonstrated good-to-excellent reproducibility at rest, with ICC(3,1)=0.85 and 0.84 and CV%=7.1±6.2% and 7.5±4.5% for multi-directional flow length and VCC, respectively. Our data suggest a minimum scanning proximity of 3.5cm to the femoral bifurcation to ensure blood flow assessments are free of multi-directional flow, and invite further study in different body positions and arteries of interest to increase rigour in this area.

Development and validation of a nomogram to predict acute postoperative urinary retention in ischemic stroke patients following femoral artery puncture.

Background: Acute postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common complication in patients with ischemic stroke following femoral artery puncture (FAP), leading to discomfort, delayed hospital discharge, and increased patient morbidity. The relevant risk factors are unclear; thus, a predictive tool is required to guide treatment decisions. Objective: To develop and validate a nomogram to predict acute POUR in patients with ischemic stroke following FAP. Methods: We retrospectively collected cases from 1729 patients with ischemic stroke from the electronic record system of Jiangmen Central Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. A total of 731 patients were randomly divided into development (n = 511, 70%) and validation (n = 220, 30%) groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with backward stepwise regression were used to select the predictive variables, and a nomogram was developed. The discrimination was evaluated based on the area under the curve (AUC). Calibration was assessed using calibration plots and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Clinical applications were evaluated using decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: The incidence of acute POUR was 12.72%. Preoperative statin use within 24 h, operation type, intraoperative infusion, postoperative water intake within 3 h, postoperative pain, and postoperative anxiety were included in the nomogram. The AUC values were 0.764 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.705-0.825] in the development group and 0.741 (95% CI: 0.615-0.856) in the validation group. The calibration plots showed good calibration. The p values in the Hosmer-Lemeshow tests were 0.962 and 0.315 for the development and validation groups, respectively. The DCA showed that patients could benefit from this nomogram. Conclusion: A nomogram was developed to successfully predict acute POUR in patients with ischemic stroke following FAP. This nomogram is a convenient and effective tool for clinicians to aid in the prevention and early intervention of acute POUR.

Open and Endovascular Treatment of the Common Femoral Artery in a Tertiary Care Center.

OBJECTIVES: Endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) involving the common femoral artery (CFA) remains controversial. This study compares the perioperative and long-term outcomes of open and endovascular lower extremity revascularization (LER) involving the CFA. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing LER for PAD in a tertiary-care center was performed. Patients were divided into the open or endovascular group based on the first LER that involved the CFA. Patient characteristics were compared, and outcomes analysis focused on the ipsilateral CFA reintervention rate. Multivariable regression was used to determine the association between the CFA revascularization strategy and CFA reintervention. Analysis was stratified based on indication. RESULTS: A total of 1,954 patients underwent 4,879 LER (including all reinterventions) between 2013-2020. The CFA was treated in 22.9% of patients (N=447/1954) and 15.0% of LER procedures involved the CFA (N=734/4,879). Patients treated for CLTI were more likely to undergo open CFA treatment compared to patients with claudication (60.6% vs 42.7%, p<0.001). Patients treated for CLTI with endovascular therapy were more likely to be male compared to patients treated with open surgery (66.7% vs 51.2%, p=0.025). On the other hand, patients treated for claudication with endovascular therapy were more likely to have CAD (64.9% vs 50.5%, p=0.027) and diabetes (49.3% vs 33.0%, p=0.013) compared to open surgery. There was no difference in perioperative amputation or mortality but patients undergoing CFA endarterectomy were more likely to have post-operative bleeding in the claudication group as well as wound infections and longer hospital length of stay in both indication groups. On follow up, patients receiving endovascular LERs were more likely to require an ipsilateral CFA reintervention for both claudication (35.1% vs 21.0%, p=0.019) and CLTI (33.3% vs 20.9%, p=0.043) with no difference in major amputation or survival between the groups. Among claudicants, CFA endarterectomy was significantly more likely in patients initially treated with endovascular therapy (conversion to open endarterectomy) compared to patients initially treated with open surgery (redo endarterectomy) (14.9% vs 5.0%, p=0.015). Multivariable logistic regression revealed an independent association between endovascular therapy and CFA reintervention for claudication (OR= 2.29 [1.16-4.66]) and CLTI (OR=2.38 [1.18-4.90]). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no difference in MALE-free survival. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of the CFA is associated with higher reintervention of the CFA regardless of indication. CFA endarterectomy is associated with higher perioperative complications and longer hospital stay. Understanding the severity of CFA disease could improve patient selection for optimal therapy.

[Eversion endarterectomy from common femoral artery bifurcation]. / Eversionnaya endarterektomiya iz bifurkatsii obshchei bedrennoi arterii.

Common femoral artery (CFA) bifurcation is a critical arterial segment of the lower extremities. Dos Santos J.C. first described endarterectomy from CFA in 1946. It is still preferable method for many patients with occlusion of CFA bifurcation. Although this technique is common in carotid artery surgery and much less common for atherosclerotic lesion of CFA bifurcation, some authors describe favorable results after eversion endarterectomy. Eversion endarterectomy is preferable if synthetic material and autologous veins are unavailable for repair.

Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm from Heterotopic Ossification after Fixation of Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture: A Case Report.

Introduction: Intertrochanteric (IT) hip fractures are increasing in prevalence due to a rise in the aging population. Cephalomedullary nailing is one of the treatment options and is becoming a treatment of choice worldwide. Complications after a hip fracture have been extensively studied and widely published. Despite numerous publications, we report a unique complication not previously seen in literature. Case Report: This case demonstrates the rare phenomenon of proximal femur heterotopic ossification (HO) after cephalomedullary nailing of an IT femur fracture causing a femoral artery pseudoaneurysm. Conclusion: Proximal femoral HO is a rare phenomenon after cephalomedullary nailing that, in this case, presented a serious complication requiring combined surgical intervention from both vascular surgery and orthopedic surgery teams. As far as the authors know, this is the only such incident in the literature.

Percutaneous endovascular management of Angio-Seal related vascular occlusion.

BACKGROUND: The use of vascular closure devices (VCDs) to achieve quick and safe hemostasis after femoral arterial access is widely accepted. Major complications include bleeding and occlusion of the femoral artery due to device failure, which often necessitates vascular intervention. This manuscript details our peripheral percutaneous endovascular interventional (PEI) approach for the management of femoral artery occlusion resulting from Angio-Seal (Terumo, Somerset, New Jersey, USA) VCD deployment. METHODS: Consecutive patients who developed occlusive complications after Angio-Seal deployment underwent PEI to overcome specific complications. Patients' clinical and procedural characteristics, along with their short- and long-term follow-up data, were analyzed. RESULTS: The study cohort included 40 patients who experienced Angio-Seal occlusive complications between July 2013 and September 2023. The mean age of the patients was 74 ± 10 years and 55% were female. All the patients were treated with PEI, with an overall procedural success rate of 100%. The primary approach for PEI was directional atherectomy, which was used in 35 cases (88%), followed by balloon, while a cutting balloon was used in 5 patients (13%). Stenting served as the definitive therapy in only 7 patients (18%). No procedural complications or conversions to surgery were observed. During a median follow-up of 244 (IQR = 100-707) days, none of the patients required re-intervention related to Angio-Seal occlusion and salvage intervention. CONCLUSION: In the management of Angi-Seal VCD-related femoral artery occlusion, the adjunctive use of directional atherectomy followed by balloon angioplasty was effective and safe, allowing re-establishment of flow with excellent long-term outcomes.

Three-Year Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Treatment of Common Femoral Artery in 150 PAD Patients.

Background: The gold standard treatment for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the common femoral artery (CFA) is open common femoral endarterectomy (CFAE). Interest in the less invasive endovascular treatment (EVT) is growing due to PAD patients' frequent co-morbidities. Aims: We aimed to evaluate three-year EVT outcomes in multimorbid PAD patients with severe calcified CFA lesions. Methods: Using the prospectively maintained "all-comers" Duesseldorf PTA Registry, we analysed the three-year outcomes of 150 patients with EVT of the CFA. Between January 2017 and October 2023, 66 patients received a rotational excisional atherectomy (REA) followed by a drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCB), and 84 patients received a DCB alone. Results: All procedures involved the CFA, 49% additionally involved the proximal superficial femoral artery (SFA), and 10% of the lesions involved the profunda femoris artery (PFA). The procedural success rate was 97% and independent of PAD stage, with a higher level of stent implantation in the DCB group (58% vs. 39%, p < 0.05). The primary patency rate at one year was 83% for REA + DCB and 87% for DCB (p = 0.576), while secondary patency after three years was 97%. The MALE rate at three years was mainly driven by cdTLR (REA + DCB: (20%) vs. DCB: (14%), p = 0.377), while major amputations were low in both groups (REA + DCB: 3% vs. DCB: 1%). Overall, the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) rate at three years was low (REA + DCB: (5%) vs. DCB: (11%), p = 0.170). Conclusions: The EVT of severely calcified CFA lesions is safe and effective, with high three-year patency rates and low rates of major adverse limb events (MALEs) and MACEs. This registry demonstrates that vessel preparation with REA minimizes the need for stenting.

A variant deep femoral artery passing anterior to femoral vein: an anatomical observation with implication in femoral vein cannulation.

The common femoral artery (CFA) typically gives rise to its superficial and deep branches, with the deep femoral artery (DFA) being the largest and most substantial of these branches. This case study presents a rare variation of the DFA characterized by an unusual branching pattern and its specific relationship with the femoral vein within the subinguinal region. In nutshell, the DFA and the medial femoral circumflex artery shared a common origin from the medial aspect of the CFA. The DFA assumed an unusual course, initially passing anterior to the femoral vein above the saphenofemoral junction, followed by a spiraling trajectory around the medial aspect of the femoral vein before running posteriorly. The embryological origins and clinical implications of this anatomical variation are thoroughly examined. This unusual vascular relationship in the subinguinal region may potentially result in arterial injury during femoral vein cannulation or formation of arteriovenous fistula after the procedure.

High-Frame-Rate Ultrasound Velocimetry in the Healthy Femoral Bifurcation: A Comparative Study Against 4-D Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Local flow dynamics impact atherosclerosis yet are difficult to quantify with conventional ultrasound techniques. This study investigates the performance of ultrasound vector flow imaging (US-VFI) with and without ultrasound contrast agents in the healthy femoral bifurcation. METHODS: High-frame-rate ultrasound data with incremental acoustic outputs were acquired in the femoral bifurcations of 20 healthy subjects before (50V) and after contrast injection (2V, 5V and 10V). 2-D blood-velocity profiles were obtained through native blood speckle tracking (BST) and contrast tracking (echo particle image velocimetry [echoPIV]). As a reference, 4-D flow magnetic resonance imaging (4-D flow MRI) was acquired. Contrast-to-background ratio and vector correlation were used to assess the quality of the US-VFI acquisitions. Spatiotemporal velocity profiles were extracted, from which peak velocities (PSV) were compared between the modalities. Furthermore, root-mean-square error analysis was performed. RESULTS: US-VFI was successful in 99% of the cases and optimal VFI quality was established with the 10V echoPIV and BST settings. A good correspondence between 10V echoPIV and BST was found, with a mean PSV difference of -0.5 cm/s (limits of agreement: -14.1-13.2). Both US-VFI techniques compared well with 4-D flow MRI, with a mean PSV difference of 1.4 cm/s (-18.7-21.6) between 10V echoPIV and MRI, and 0.3 cm/s (-23.8-24.4) between BST and MRI. Similar complex flow patterns among all modalities were observed. CONCLUSION: 2-D blood-flow quantification of femoral bifurcation is feasible with echoPIV and BST. Both modalities showed good agreement compared to 4-D flow MRI. For the femoral tract the administration of contrast was not needed to increase the echogenicity of the blood for optimal image quality.

Efficacy of a novel method: VaSodilator injection via the Over-the-wire lumen during drug-coated balloon dilatation to Prevent the slow-flow phenomenon in treatment of femoropopliteal lesions.

In drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for femoropopliteal lesions, there are adverse effects of drug embolization on downstream non-target organs following the slow-flow phenomenon. We devised a novel method, known as VaSodilator injection via the Over-the-wire lumen during DCB dilatation to Prevent the slow-flow phenomenon in treatment of femoropopliteal lesions (V.S.O.P.), and evaluated its efficacy and safety. This single-center, retrospective, observational study analyzed 196 femoropopliteal lesions treated with IN.PACT Admiral between April 2018 and July 2023. The IN.PACT Admiral is a DCB consisting of a 0.035-inch over-the-wire (OTW) lumen balloon coated with high-dose paclitaxel. Regarding the V.S.O.P. method, we injected vasodilators through the OTW lumen during DCB dilation of the lesions. The cohort was classified into two groups according to the use of the V.S.O.P. method (V.S.O.P. group: n = 53; non-V.S.O.P. group: n = 143). The V.S.O.P. group had lower rates of hemodialysis (21% vs. 43%, p = 0.01) and higher rates of critical limb-threatening ischemia (56% vs. 23%, p < 0.01) and severe calcification lesions (Peripheral Arterial Calcium Scoring Systems score 3/4) (53% vs. 34%, p = 0.01) than the non-V.S.O.P. group. The occurrence of the slow-flow phenomenon was significantly lower in the V.S.O.P. group than in the non-V.S.O.P. group. The V.S.O.P. method could be an effective method for preventing the slow-flow phenomenon after DCB angioplasty for femoropopliteal lesions.

Evaluation of balloon and self-expandable stents for common femoral artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of the common femoral artery (CFA) and its bifurcation is currently recommended for patients with hostile groin (prior femoral bifurcation open surgery, history of radiotherapy) or severe comorbidities (advanced age, frailty, obesity). Preliminary results have shown favorable outcomes. Among the different endovascular techniques (atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy, plain balloon angioplasty, drug-coated balloon angioplasty, stenting), stents are mainly used but the best type of stent to use is still debated. The aim of this study was to assess the value of balloon-expandable stents (BES) and self-expandable stents (SES) for stenosis of the femoral bifurcation. METHODS: Consecutive patients with stenosis of the CFA and its bifurcation were included from 2016 to 2022. Demographic data, the type of stent used, procedural data, and angiographic variables were collected. Groups were defined according to the type of stent implanted. Primary patency was defined as a binary end point based on a duplex ultrasound peak systolic velocity ratio of ≤2.4 as assessed by duplex ultrasound examination, in the absence of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) or bypass of the target lesion. Secondary outcomes were clinical sustained improvement, freedom from TLR at 12 months, mean ankle-brachial index improvement, primary-assisted patency, and secondary patency. RESULTS: A total of 90 procedures conducted in 77 patients were included in this study, 26 in the SES group and 64 in the BES group. The most common symptomatology according to the Rutherford classification was class 2, 3, and 4 (28%, 48%, and 8%, respectively). The type of lesions in the CFA, assessed using the Azema classification, were comparable between both groups (SES/BES group type 2: 31%/27%; type 3: 54%/62%). At 12 months, the primary patency rates for SES and BES were 88% (26/26 patients) and 72% (58/64 patients) (P = .10). At 12 months, freedom from TLR rates for SES and BES were 97% vs 81%, respectively (P = .13). CONCLUSIONS: SES for CFA stenosis show a trend toward better patency and freedom from TLR rates at 12 months. However, controlled studies are warranted to further investigate the significance of this trend.

Efficacy of superficial femoral artery as a recipient in free flap reconstruction around the knee: Four case reports and a literature review.

Purpose: Reconstructing soft tissue defects around the knee with free flaps presents challenges in recipient vessel selection. Although the superficial femoral artery (SFA) offers exposure ease and anatomical stability, concerns arise regarding its distance from the defect site, difficulty in performing anastomosis and potential peripheral ischaemia. This study aimed to reassess the suitability of SFA as a recipient vessel for knee reconstructions by examining our cases and those from previous reports. Methods: We reviewed four cases of knee soft tissue defects reconstructed with free flaps using the SFA, detailing surgical techniques and outcomes. Additionally, a comprehensive literature search was conducted for articles on using SFA as a recipient vessel for knee free flaps, using PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCOhost databases. Results: In all four cases, latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps were used, with end-to-side anastomosis performed using a large slit-shaped arteriotomy. All flaps demonstrated successful survival without complications. Our analysis included 85 cases, comprising four of our cases and 81 cases from 16 articles. Sarcoma resection was the most common aetiology, followed by total knee prosthesis-related defects, trauma and osteomyelitis. Complete flap necrosis occurred in 5% of cases. The LD flap was the predominant choice, alongside other long-pedicle flaps. The SFA provided coverage for all knee areas except the distal lateral patellar region. Conclusion: Despite the limited evidence, the SFA appears to be a reliable recipient vessel for knee soft tissue reconstruction. Comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the SFA and flaps used enhances the safety and efficacy of soft tissue defect reconstruction around the knee.

Total endovascular repair of a common femoral artery aneurysm with a bifurcated endograft through a single ipsilateral approach.

Aneurysms of the common femoral and profunda femoris arteries are rare. Open surgical repair is the treatment of choice, even though hybrid and total endovascular repair with stent graft placement are reported in the literature. We describe a case of a successful total endovascular repair of a common femoral aneurysm extending to the profunda femoris with a bifurcated abdominal endograft placed in the common femoral artery with distal landing in profunda femoris and superficial femoral artery to preserve flow in both arteries. Endovascular repair of common femoral artery aneurysms with bifurcated endografts is a feasible alternative in complex anatomies.

High Origin of the Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery From the External Iliac Artery in Common Trunk With the Inferior Epigastric Artery.

The medial circumflex femoral artery contributes to the blood supply of the adductor muscles, hip joint, and femoral head. Its variations are common and important in the surgical field, as its damage can cause femoral head necrosis. Most commonly, the variations include different origin patterns from the femoral artery or its branches. Here we report a very rare variation of suprainguinal origin of the medial circumflex femoral artery from the external iliac artery in the common trunk with the inferior epigastric artery. Because of the rarity, such an arterial variation not commonly suspected during open or laparoscopic surgery may result in devastating consequences.

Investigating the effects of percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm on the lumen size of the common femoral artery.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR) is the definitive therapy of choice for abdominal aortic aneurysms worldwide. However, current literature regarding the anatomic changes in the common femoral artery (CFA) post-PEVAR is sparse and contradictory, and a significant proportion of these studies did not control for the potential confounding effects of ethnicity. Thus, this study aims to investigate the anatomical effects of PEVAR on the CFA using an Asian study cohort. METHODS: Between January 2019 and September 2023, the records of 113 patients who received PEVAR were reviewed. Groins with previous surgical interventions were excluded. The most proximate pre- and postoperative CT angiography of patients receiving PEVAR via the Perclose ProGlide™ Suture-Mediated Closure System were retrospectively analysed for changes in both the CFA inner luminal diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD), the latter also encompassing the arterial walls. Access site complications within 3 months post-PEVAR were also recorded per patient. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen groins from 60 patients were included in this study, with 1 report of pseudoaneurysm. The CFA ID exhibited a 0.167 mm decrease (p-value = 0.0403), while the OD decreased by 0.247 mm (p-value = 0.0107). This trend persisted when the data was separately analysed with the common cardiovascular risk factors of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. CONCLUSION: Our analysis demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the CFA diameters post-PEVAR. However, the percentage changes were below established flow-limiting values, as reflected by the single access site complication reported. Hence, our findings give confidence in the safety profile of this procedure, even with the reported smaller baseline CFA lumen size in Asians. Moving forward, similar longer-term studies should be considered to characterise any late postoperative effects.

Outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation strategy in lung transplantation: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with different cannulation strategies is determined according to surgical position and patient condition. However, no cannulation guidelines have been proposed. This retrospective study assessed the outcomes of diverse ECMO cannulation strategies in patients undergoing lung transplantation (LTx). METHODS: Data of patients undergoing intraoperative veno-arterial ECMO-assisted LTx were retrospectively collected from December 1st, 2015 to October 31st, 2021. Patients were classified into three groups based on the different cannulation strategies: femoral artery-femoral vein (F-F)-ECMO, axillary artery-femoral vein (A-F)-ECMO, and ascending aorta-femoral vein (AAO-F)-ECMO. The F-F-ECMO, A-F-ECMO, and AAO-F-ECMO groups comprised 34, 44, and 30 patients, respectively. MAIN RESULTS: The AAO-F-ECMO group exhibited a significantly shorter duration of postoperative ECMO therapy (3 vs. 2 vs. 0 days, P < 0.01).the level of postoperative proBNP was lower on the third and seventh days (P < 0.001). AAO-F-ECMO patients had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative infections, heart failure, and bleeding (P < 0.05). Similar outcomes were observed in postoperative survival rates among the three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ascending aorta-femoral vein ECMO can provide sufficient and effective aerobic blood to perfuse organs with fewer side effects than cannulation in the femoral artery-femoral vein or axillary artery-femoral vein.

Arteriovenous Malformation of the Superficial Femoral Artery: A Case Report.

Peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular anomalies characterized by abnormal connections between arteries and veins that bypass the capillary system. This case report details a three-year-old female child who presented with an enlarging swelling on her knee's medial side. AVM was diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) angiography and surgically excised. The case highlights the importance of early detection and timely intervention of AVMs to prevent complications.

Subclinical Atherosclerosis Progression in Low-Risk, Middle-Aged Adults: Carotid Leads Femoral in IMT Increase but Not in Plaque Formation.

This study investigated subclinical atherosclerosis progression in low-risk, middle-aged adults (N = 141; a mean age of 49.6 ± 4.7 years) using a 5-year ultrasound follow-up. We compared the involvement of the carotid and femoral arteries. METHODS: Clinical data, risk factors, carotid/femoral intima-media thickness (IMT), and plaque presence were analyzed. RESULTS: Cardiovascular risk factors and scores increased significantly at follow-up. Both carotid and femoral mean IMT increased (p < 0.001). While plaque prevalence rose and was similar in both arteries (carotid: 4.8% to 17.9%, femoral: 3.6% to 17.7%, p < 0.001 for both), the progression of plaque burden was greater in femorals. Notably, the carotid mean IMT demonstrated a faster yearly progression rate compared to the mean femoral IMT. The prevalence of pathological nomogram-based mean IMT right or left was higher in the carotids (52.9% to 78.8%, p < 0.001) compared to femorals (23.2% to 44.7%, p < 0.001), with a significant increase at the end of follow-up in both territories. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates significant subclinical atherosclerosis progression in low-risk, middle-aged adults over 5 years. Carotid arteries showed a faster progression rate of mean IMT and a higher prevalence of pathological nomogram-based mean IMT compared to the femoral arteries. However, plaque burden was similar in both territories, with greater progression in femorals. Identifying carotid and femoral atherosclerosis burden may be a valuable tool for risk stratification in this population.