Evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness and factors associated with cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease / Avaliação da espessura médio-intimal da carótida e fatores associados à doença cardiovascular em crianças e adolescentes com doença renal crônica

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the carotid intima-media thickness and factors associated with cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease. Material and methods: Observational, cross-sectional study carried out at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (chronic kidney disease outpatient clinics) with 55 patients (60% males) with a median age of 11.9 years (I25-I75: 9.2-14.8 years). Of the 55 patients, 43 were on conservative treatment and 12 were on dialysis. Serum laboratory parameters (creatinine, uric acid, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol and fractions, and triglycerides), nutritional status (z-score of body mass index, z-score of height/age), body fat (fat percentage and waist circumference), and blood pressure levels were evaluated. The carotid intima-media thickness measure was evaluated by a single ultrasonographer and compared with percentiles established according to gender and height. Data collection was performed between May 2015 and March 2016. Results: Of the children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease, 74.5% (95% CI: 61.0; 85.3) showed an increase (>P95) in carotid intima-media thickness. In patients with stages I and II hypertension, 90.9% had increased carotid intima-media thickness. Nutritional status, body fat and laboratory tests were not associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness. After multivariate adjustment, only puberty (PR = 1.30, p = 0.037) and stages I and II arterial hypertension (PR = 1.42, p = 0.011) were independently associated with carotid intima-media thickness alterations. Conclusion: The prevalence of increased carotid thickness was high in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease. Puberty and arterial hypertension were independently associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a espessura médio-intimal da carótida e os fatores associados à doença cardiovascular em crianças e adolescentes com doença renal crônica. Material e métodos: Estudo observacional transversal feito na Universidade Federal de São Paulo (ambulatórios de doença renal crônica) com 55 pacientes (60% do sexo masculino) com mediana de 11,9 anos (I25-I75: 9,2-14,8). Dos 55 pacientes, 43 estavam em tratamento conservador e 12 em terapia dialítica. Foram avaliados os parâmetros laboratoriais séricos (creatinina, ácido úrico, proteína C-reativa, colesterol total e frações e triglicérides), estado nutricional (escore z de índice de massa corpórea, escore z de estatura/idade), gordura corporal (percentual de gordura e circunferência abdominal) e pressão arterial. A medida da espessura médio-intimal da carótida foi avaliada por um único ultrassonografista e comparada com percentis estabelecidos de acordo com o sexo e a estatura. A coleta de dados foi feita entre maio de 2015 e março de 2016. Resultados: Das crianças e adolescentes com doença renal crônica, 74,5% (IC 95%: 61,0; 85,3) apresentaram aumento (> P95) da espessura médio-intimal da carótida. Nos pacientes com hipertensão arterial estágios I e II, 90,9% apresentaram aumento da espessura médio-intimal da carótida. O estado nutricional, a gordura corporal e os exames laboratoriais não apresentaram associação com o aumento da espessura médio-intimal da carótida. Após ajuste multivariado, apenas a puberdade (RP = 1,30; p = 0,037) e a hipertensão arterial estágios I e II (RP = 1,42; p = 0,011) mostraram-se independentemente associados à alteração da espessura médio-intimal da carótida. Conclusão: A prevalência do aumento da espessura da carótida foi elevada em crianças e adolescentes com doença renal crônica. A puberdade e a hipertensão arterial mostraram-se independentemente associadas ao aumento da espessura médio-intimal da carótida.

En el modelo preclínico de insuficiencia cardíaca por disfunción sistólica en ratón (coartación de aorta torácica) la velocidad de flujo carotídeo determinada precozmente se asocia a función ventricular izquierda tardía / Carotid flow velocity is associated to late ventricular function in mice with preclinic systolic dysfunction induced by thoracic aortic coarctation

Resumen: Los modelos experimentales de falla cardíaca con fracción de eyección disminuida en murinos son pocos. Uno de estos modelos es el de coartación de la aorta torácica en el arco aórtico (COA) en ratones. Un aspecto importante en su desarrollo es la evaluación precoz del procedimiento y su relación con la función sistólica posterior. En este sentido, las velocidades de flujo carotídeo y la relación entre ambos flujos (derecho, pre-coartación; izquierdo post coartación) pueden permitir evaluar tempranamente la precisión del procedimiento y relacionarse más tardíamente con la función sistólica VI. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar precozmente (semana 2 post operatoria) las velocidades de flujo en ambas carótidas (Doppler continuo) y tardíamente (semana 5 postoperatoria) la función sistólica VI (Ecocardiograma de superficie) en ratones seudocoartados o sham (n= 6) vs ratones COA (n = 12). Se confirmó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la relación de velocidades de flujo entre ambas carótidas medida precozmente entre los ratones sham y COA (1,1 ± 0,1 vs 2,5 ± 0,5, p< 0,001), lo que se correlacionó con un deterioro significativo de la función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo evaluada a las 5 semanas en los ratones COA. Conclusión: En este modelo preclínico de falla cardíaca por sobrecarga de presión con fracción de eyección VI disminuida en ratón, el aumento precoz de la velocidad de flujo en la arteria carótida derecha (pre-coartación en el modelo COA) y sobre todo de la relación entre las velocidades de flujo carotídeo entre ambas carótidas se asocia a deterioro importante de la función sistólica VI cinco semanas después de efectuada la COA, lo que permite predecir la efectividad del procedimiento en este modelo experimental.

Abstract: There are few experimental models of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in murines. One of these models is transverse aortic coarctation (TAC) in mice. However, an important challenge in its development is the early evaluation of the procedure and its relationship with late systolic LV function. In this sense, carotid flow velocities and the relationship between both (right, precoarctation, left post-coarctation) may allow early evaluation of the accuracy of the procedure and be related to late LV systolic function. The aim was to compare early (week 2 post-operative) flow velocities determined in both carotid arteries (by continuous Doppler) with late (week 5 postoperative) LV systolic function (by echocardiogram) in sham (n= 6) vs. TAC (n: 12) mice. We confirmed a statistically significant difference in the early ratio of carotid flow velocities (left/right common carotid velocity ratio) between sham and TAC mice (1.1 ± 0.1 vs 2.5 ± 0.5, p< 0.001) and this correlated well with a deteriorated left ventricular function in the TAC mice after 5 weeks. In this preclinical model of cardiac failure due to pressure overload with reduced LV ejection fraction in the mouse, the early increase in right carotid flow velocity (precoarctation) and especially the relationship between precoarctation/postcoarctation carotid flow velocities is associated with significant impairment of LV systolic function five weeks after the TAC, which allows to predict the effectiveness of the procedure in this experimental model.

Frequency of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Brazilian HIV-Infected Patients / Frequência de Aterosclerose Subclínica em Brasileiros Infectados pelo HIV

Abstract Background: AIDS as well as atherosclerosis are important public health problems. The longer survival among HIV-infected is associated with increased number of cardiovascular events in this population, and this association is not fully understood. Objectives: To identify the frequency of subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients compared to control subjects; to analyze associations between atherosclerosis and clinical and laboratory variables, cardiovascular risk factors, and the Framingham coronary heart disease risk score (FCRS). Methods: Prospective cross-sectional case-control study assessing the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in 264 HIV-infected patients and 279 controls. Clinical evaluation included ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries, arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx), laboratory analysis of peripheral blood, and cardiovascular risk according to FCRS criteria. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was p < 0.05. Results: Plaques were found in 37% of the HIV group and 4% of controls (p < 0.001). Furthermore, carotid intima-media thickness was higher in the HIV group than in controls (p < 0.001). Patients with carotid plaque had higher fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides than those without plaques. The presence of HIV, adjusted for age, overweight/obesity, and smoking increased by almost fivefold the risk of atherosclerotic carotid plaque (OR: 4.9; 95%CI: 2.5-9.9; p < 0.001). Exposure to protease inhibitors did not influence carotid intima-media thickness, was not associated with carotid plaque frequency, and did not alter the mechanical characteristics of the arterial system (PWV and AIx). Conclusions: HIV-infected patients are at increased risk of atherosclerosis in association with classical cardiovascular risk factors. Treatment with protease inhibitors does not promote functional changes in the arteries, and shows no association with increased frequency of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries. The FCRS may be inappropriate for this population.

Resumo Fundamento: Aterosclerose e AIDS são importantes problemas de saúde pública. A maior sobrevida de indivíduos infectados pelo HIV acha-se associada com maior número de eventos cardiovasculares nessa população, mas tal associação ainda não foi completamente esclarecida. Objetivos: Identificar a frequência de aterosclerose subclínica em pacientes infectados pelo HIV em comparação a controles; analisar as associações entre aterosclerose e variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais, fatores de risco cardiovascular e escore de risco de Framingham (ERF) para doença coronariana. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo transversal caso-controle avaliando a presença de aterosclerose subclínica em 264 pacientes infectados pelo HIV e 279 controles. A avaliação clínica incluiu ultrassonografia das artérias carótidas, análise da rigidez arterial através da velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) e augmentation index (AIx), exames laboratoriais do sangue periférico e determinação do risco cardiovascular segundo os critérios do ERF. O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi p < 0,05. Resultados: Placas foram identificadas em 37% do grupo infectado pelo HIV e em 4% dos controles (p < 0,001). A espessura médio-intimal carotídea foi maior no grupo HIV do que nos controles (p < 0,001). Pacientes com placa carotídea apresentaram maiores níveis de glicemia de jejum, colesterol total, colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade e triglicérides do que aqueles sem placas. A presença do HIV, ajustada por idade, sobrepeso/obesidade e tabagismo aumentou em quase cinco vezes o risco de placa aterosclerótica carotídea (OR: 4,9; IC95%: 2,5-9,9; p < 0,001). Exposição aos inibidores da protease não influenciou a espessura médio-intimal carotídea, não se associou com frequência de placa carotídea e não alterou as características mecânicas do sistema arterial (VOP e AIx). Conclusões: Pacientes infectados pelo HIV apresentam maior risco de aterosclerose na associação com os clássicos fatores de risco cardiovascular. Tratamento com os inibidores da protease não promove alterações funcionais nas artérias, nem se associa com maior frequência de placas ateroscleróticas carotídeas. O ERF pode ser inadequado para essa população.

Fluxo mediado pela dilatação e espessura da íntima-média da carótida em pacientes com gastrite crônica associada com infecção por Helicobacter pylori / Flow mediated dilation and carotid intima media thickness in patients with chronic gastritis associated with helicobacter pylori infection

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is one of the early stages of vascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the endothelial dysfunction markers in patients with chronic gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. METHODS: By a cross sectional study, basic and clinical information of 120 participants (40 patients with positive H. pylori infection, 40 patients with negative H. pylori infection and 40 healthy people) were analyzed. Carotid intima media thickness and flow-mediated dilation levels were measured in all patients and controls. Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were measured with Elisa for all subjects. IgG level was assessed in chronic gastritis patients. RESULTS: The flow-mediated dilation level in patients with positive H. pylori infection (0.17%±0.09) was significantly lower than those with negative H. pylori infection (0.21% ±0.10, P<0.05) and compared to the control group (0.27% ±0.11, P<0.05). Carotid intima media thickness level in patients with positive H. pylori infection (0.58±0.13 mm) was significantly higher than those with negative H. pylori infection (0.48±0.32 mm, P<0.05) and compared to the control group (0.36±0.44mm, P<0.05). The mean level of sICAM-1 in positive H. pylori infection group (352.16±7.54 pg/mL) was higher than negative H. pylori infection group (332.64±8.75 pg/mL =0.75) and compared to the control group (236.32±12.43 pg/mL, P<0.05). A direct relationship was revealed between flow-mediated dilation and carotid intima media thickness changes and between sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 associated with the level of H. pylori IgG in chronic gastritis. CONCLUSION: The levels of flow-mediated dilation, carotid intima media thickness and sICAM-1 were higher among patients with positive H. pylori infection. Patients with chronic gastritis associated with H. pylori infection are at risk of endothelial dysfunction due to flow-mediated dilation and carotid intima media thickness abnormalities and increased level of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A disfunção endotelial é um dos estágios iniciais de doenças vasculares. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os marcadores de disfunção endotelial em pacientes com gastrite crônica associada com infecção por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). MÉTODOS: Através de estudo cruzado seccional, foram analisadas informações básicas e clínicas de 120 participantes (40 pacientes com infecção pelo H. pylori, 40 pacientes sem infecção pelo H. pylori e 40 pessoas saudáveis). A espessura da camada íntima-média da carótida e níveis de dilatação mediada por fluxo foram medidos em todos os pacientes e controles. A adesão da molécula-1 solúvel (sVCAM-1) à célula vascular e da molécula de adesão intercelular-1 (ICAM-1) foram medidas pelo método Elisa para todas os indivíduos. O nível de H. pylori IgG foi avaliado em pacientes de gastrite crônica. RESULTADOS: O nível de dilatação mediada por fluxo em pacientes com infecção positiva pelo H. pylori foi significativamente menor do que em aqueles com infecção negativa (0,17% ±0, 09) X (0,21% ±0,10) P<0,05 e em relação ao grupo controle (0,27% ±0,11) P<0,05). O nível da espessura da íntima-média da carótida em pacientes com infecção positiva pelo H. pylori foi significativamente maior (0,58±0,13 mm) do que aqueles com negativa (0,48±0,32 mm) P<0,05) e em relação ao grupo controle (0,36±0,44 mm) P<0,05). O nível médio de sICAM-1 grupo de infecção H. pylori positiva (352,16±7,54 pg/mL) foi maior do que o grupo de infecção negativa (332,64±8,75 pg/mL = 0,75) e em relação ao grupo controle (236,32±12,43 pg/mL) P<0,05). Revelou-se uma relação direta entre a dilatação mediada por fluxo e alterações da espessura da íntima-média da carótida e sICAM-1 e sVCAM-1, associada com o nível de H. pylori IgG em gastrite crônica. CONCLUSÃO: Os níveis de dilatação mediada por fluxo, da espessura da íntima-média da carótida e sICAM-1 foram maiores entre os pacientes com infecção positiva pelo H. pylori. Pacientes com gastrite crônica associada a infecção por H. pylori correm o risco de disfunção endotelial, devido à dilatação mediada por fluxo e anormalidades da espessura da íntima-média da carótida e aumento do nível de sICAM-1 e sVCAM-1.

Experimental study of histological changes in vascular loops according to the duration of the postoperative period: Application in reconstructive microsurgery

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the histological changes observed in venous grafts subjected to arterial blood flow as a function of the duration of the postoperative period to optimize their use in free flap reconstructions. METHOD: Twenty-five rats (7 females and 18 males) underwent surgery. Surgeries were performed on one animal per week. Five weeks after the first surgery, the same five animals were subjected to an additional surgery to assess the presence or absence of blood flow through the vascular loop, and samples were collected for histological analysis. This cycle was performed five times. RESULTS: Of the rats euthanized four to five weeks after the first surgery, no blood flow was observed through the graft in 80% of the cases. In the group euthanized three weeks after the first surgery, no blood flow was observed in 20% of the cases. In the groups euthanized one to two weeks after the first surgery, blood flow through the vascular loop was observed in all animals. Moreover, intimal proliferation tended to increase with the duration of the postoperative period. Two weeks after surgery, intimal proliferation increased slightly, whereas strong intimal proliferation was observed in all rats evaluated five weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION: Intimal proliferation was the most significant change noted in venous grafts as a function of the duration of the postoperative period and was directly correlated with graft occlusion. In cases in which vascular loops are required during free flap reconstruction, both procedures should preferably be performed during the same surgery.

Rigidez Arterial: Aspectos Fisiopatológicos e Genéticos / Arterial Stiffness: Pathophysiological and Genetic Aspects

As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) são a principal causa de morte e representam uma percentagem significativa das internações. No cenário de minimização dos custos ao sistema de saúde, métodos que identifiquem DCV subclínica seriam importantes. Algumas diretrizes incluem a medida da rigidez aórtica e da espessura íntima-média da artéria carótida como métodos para identificação de DCV subclínica em hipertensos. A velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) é considerada padrão-ouro para avaliar a rigidez arterial. Nesta revisão, abordamos a fisiopatologia e os determinantes da rigidez arterial e justificamos sua inclusão na avaliação do paciente hipertenso dada a associação direta com o risco cardiovascular, como estabelecido na I Diretriz Brasileira de Prevenção Cardiovascular. Apresentamos ainda os principais estudos genéticos deste fenótipo que, dada sua complexidade, pode ser modulado por dezenas de genes. No entanto, um melhor entendimento da relação genética-rigidez arterial, e até mesmo uma intervenção baseada em genótipos, devem ser investigadas em estudos futuros

Long-term use of first-line highly active antiretroviral therapy is not associated with carotid artery stiffness in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients

Objective: To evaluate whether or not highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with carotid artery stiffness in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients in Henan Province, China. Method: Fifty human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with at least a 5-year history of highly active antiretroviral therapy use and 50 human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients without a history of highly active antiretroviral therapy use were enrolled in this study. Carotid artery intima-media thickness and stiffness were determined by quantitative inter-media thickness and quantitative artery stiffness, respectively. Results: No statistically significant difference in carotid artery intima-media thickness and stiffness was observed between groups. A significant association between human immunodeficiency virus infection time and carotid artery stiffness was observed, but no significant association between human immunodeficiency virus infection time and intima-media thickness was found. No significant association between intima-media thickness, stiffness, and CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts were observed. Conclusion: The first-line highly active antiretroviral therapy currently used in China is not associated with carotid artery stiffness in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with good highly active antiretroviral therapy compliance. Human immunodeficiency virus may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis. .

Composición y biomecánica de placas de ateroma carotídeas / Composition and biomechanics of carotid atheroma plaques

Introducción: la enfermedad aterosclerótica y sus complicaciones constituyen la causa más frecuente de muerte en el mundo. Un análisis de la relación entre parámetros estructurales y mecánicos de las placas de ateroma carotídea (PAC) es mandatorio a la hora de aumentar nuestros conocimientos en torno a los mecanismos que favorecerían la fatiga mecánica del material de la placa y su complicación. Objetivos: analizar la distensibilidad carotídea en sujetos sanos y con PAC según su composición estructural. Métodos: se estudiaron 100 sujetos asintomáticos con PAC (n=36) y sin PAC (n=64). Se clasificaron las PAC según la mediana de niveles de grises y mapeo por color en lipídicas (L), fibrolipídicas (FL) y fibrosas/calcificadas (FC). Se combinó ultrasonido modo-B con tonometría de aplanamiento y se cuantificó la distensibilidad a lo largo del eje longitudinal en cinco sectores a nivel de la PAC y de la arteria carótida normal. Resultados: se clasificaron 71 PAC (35 L, 16 FL y 20 FC), todas se encontraron en segmentos arteriales con menores niveles de distensibilidad comparado con las arterias sanas. Las PAC FC mostraron mayor rigidez a nivel del hombro proximal en comparación con las L y FL que se comportan de manera más homogénea en todos sus sectores. Conclusión: las PAC L y FL (consideradas de mayor riesgo) no presentaron el cambio significativo de rigidez parietal observado en las PAC FC, consideradas de menor riesgo de complicación. Estas diferencias biomecánicas relacionadas con la composición global de la PAC podrían tener una implicancia en la patogenia de la complicación de placa.

Introduction: the aterosclerotic disease and its complications are the most frequent cause of death in the world. An analysis of the relationship between structural and mechanic parameters of the carotid aterome plaque (CAP) is mandatory in the need of improving our knowledge concerning the mechanisms that would favor the mechanic fatigue of the plaque material and its complication. Objectives: analize the carotid distensibility in healthy persons and with patients with CAP according to their structural composition. Methods: 100 asymptomatic individuals were studied, with CAP (n=36) and without CAP (n=64). CAP persons were classified according to the standard levels of greys and color mapping in lipidic (L), fibrolipidic (FL) and fibrous/calcified (FC). B-mode Ultrasound with applanation tonometry were combined and the distensibility was quantified along the longitudinal axis in five sectors to the level of the CAP and in the normal carotid artery. Results: 71 CAP (35 L, 16 FL y 20 FC) were classified all in low-level distensibility arterial segments compared to healthy arteries. The FC CAP showed more rigidity in the proximal shoulder compared to the L and FL that behave more homogeneously in all their sectors. Conclusion: the L and FL CAPs (considered of major risk) did not present the parietal rigidity significant change observed in the FC CAP, considered of low complication risk. These biomechanic differences related to the global composition of the CAP could have an implication in the pathogenesis of the plaque complication.

Evaluation of intima media thickness of carotid arteries in 40-60 years old persons with type D personality and its comparison with normal ones

In some studies, the involvement of dangerous psychological and behavioral factors in etiology and physiotherapy of vascular disturbances have been shown. In other studies, the relationship between the personality type and increase in cardiovascular disease has been demonstrated. The type D personality is defined as having two characteristics of negative affect and social inhibition. It is thought that individuals with type D personality are at increased risk of carotid artery intima-media thickening which predisposes them to vascular disease that is one of the most important factors for the stroke. In this study, we try to determine whether type D personality is a contributing factor to an increase in the intima-media of the carotid artery. This study was done in 2012 in the teaching hospital of Alzahra in Isfahan Iran. This is a case/control study which is done at Alzahra hospital in Isfahan in 2011-12. The statistical population in this study is composed of individuals who do not have any risk factors for stroke and are randomly selected among the hospital staff or the patient's family members who accompanied the patient at the hospital. They filled out a questioner that would assist in detecting type D personality. A carotid Doppler ultrasound that measures the intima media thickness in the selected individuals was performed. The information obtained from the study was evaluated by Statistical Product and Service Solutions [SPSS] software and the intima-media thicknesses were compared in two groups of patients. The average thickness of intima media in two groups, consist of placebo and patients, was 0.739 +/- 0.12 and 0.759 +/- 0.14 millimeter, respectively. There was no meaningful difference between the two groups based on t-test values [P = 0.19]. It is important to note that based on the results, 22.9% of placebos and 48.6% of individuals with type D personality presented with abnormal thickness. The difference between the two groups were meaningful based on Chi-Squared test [P = 0.001]. We conclude that type D personality increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases specially the stroke and myocardial infarction due to the higher prevalence of hormonal imbalances leading to arterial vasospasm and atherosclerotic disease. As a result, it is necessary to evaluate and treat these patients due to increased risk of atherosclerotic diseases, stoke, and myocardial infarction

Daño arterial asociado a la enfermedad renal crónica: evaluación mediante técnicas de laboratorio no invasivo en pacientes hemodializados / Assesment of arterial damage by noninvasive peripheral arterial tonometry in non-diabetic hemodialysis patients

Background: Hemodialysis patients (HD) display high rates of cardiac disease and mortality. The cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of HD patients is attributable in a significant proportion to endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and vascular calcifications. Aim: To measure vascular reactivity in HD subjects and compare them with healthy volunteers. Material and Methods: Forty eight non diabetic patients aged 58 ± 4.6 years (29 males) on hemodialysis for a mean lapse of 4.8 years were studied. Arterial stiffness was measured in the radial artery. Pulse wave velocity was measured by noninvasive peripheral arterial tonometry in carotid and femoral arteries. Endothelial function was assessed, measuring reactive hyperemia response after a 5 min period of ischemia. As a control, all values were also measured in age and gender-matched healthy volunteers. Results: Arterial stiffness was significantly higher in HD patients than controls (23.9 ± 3.3 and 18.4 ± 3.4% respectively, p < 0.05). HD subjects had an increased pulse wave velocity (10.0 ± 0.8 and 7.6 ± 0.9 m/s respectively, p < 0.05). A reduction in the change in pulse amplitude pressure, as a measure of arterial dysfunction, was only observed in male patients (1.7± 0.4 and2.7 ± 0.4 respectively p < 0.01). Conclusions: Noninvasive assessment of peripheral vascular function may be useful for the identification of patients at risk for late cardiac events.

The AMA study (Multi-Arterial Atherosclerosis): correlation ofmalformation of cardiac and cerebral arteries

We are performing a study on the distribution of atherosclerosis in the arteries and during our dissectionswe have found arterial malformations in the brain and heart. Of these, 6 are related to the posterior cerebralarteries and 3 are related to the posterior Interventricular artery of the heart. In all these three cases, suchaforementioned abnormality in the circle of Willis also occurred. It is an interesting and unexpected findingand we are still waiting for further development in our work in order to clarify these “related” malformations.

Hybrid Endovascular Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in a Patient with Behcet's Disease Following Right to Left Carotid-carotid Bypass Grafting

Endovascular repair of inflammatory aortic aneurysms has been reported as an alternative to open surgical treatment. In selective cases, adjunctive bypass surgery may be required to provide an adequate landing zone. We report a case of endovascular repair of an inflammatory aortic aneurysm in a patient with Behcet's disease using a carotid-carotid bypass graft to provide an adequate landing zone. A 45-yr-old man with a voice change was referred to our hospital with the diagnosis of saccular aneurysm of the distal aortic arch resulting from vasculitis. Computed tomography showed a thoracic aortic aneurysm with thrombosis. Right to left carotid-carotid bypass grafting was performed. After 8 days, the patient underwent an endovascular stent graft placement distal to the origin of the innominate artery. The patient was discharged with medication and without postoperative complications after 5 days. Hybrid endovascular treatment may be suitable a complementary modality for repairing inflammatory aortic aneurysms.

Normal flow-mediated vasodilatation of the brachial artery and carotid artery intima-media thickness in subclinical hypothyroidism

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT) is a disease for which exact therapeutic approaches have not yet been established. Previous studies have suggested an association between SHT and coronary heart disease. Whether this association is related to SHT-induced changes in serum lipid levels or to endothelial dysfunction is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine endothelial function measured by the flow-mediated vasodilatation of the brachial artery and the carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) in a group of women with SHT compared with euthyroid subjects. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, apoprotein A (apo A), apo B, and lipoprotein(a) were also determined. Twenty-one patients with SHT (mean age: 42.4 ± 10.8 years and mean thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels: 8.2 ± 2.7 µIU/mL) and 21 euthyroid controls matched for body mass index, age and atherosclerotic risk factors (mean age: 44.2 ± 8.5 years and mean TSH levels: 1.4 ± 0.6 µIU/mL) participated in the study. Lipid parameters (except HDL-C and apo A, which were lower) and IMT values were higher in the common carotid and carotid bifurcation of SHT patients with positive serum thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) (0.62 ± 0.2 and 0.62 ± 0.16 mm for the common carotid and carotid bifurcation, respectively) when compared with the negative TPO-Ab group (0.55 ± 0.24 and 0.58 ± 0.13 mm, for common carotid and carotid bifurcation, respectively). The difference was not statistically significant. We conclude that minimal thyroid dysfunction had no adverse effects on endothelial function in the population studied. Further investigation is warranted to assess whether subclinical hypothyroidism, with and without TPO-Ab-positive serology, has any effect on endothelial function.

Estimation of carotid artery pulse wave velocity by doppler ultrasonography

Pulse wave velocity [PWV] is widely used for estimating the stiffness of an artery. Various invasive and non-invasive methods have been developed to determine PWV over the years. In the present research, the non-invasive estimation of the PWV of large arteries was used as an index for arterial stiffness. A dynamic model based on the Navier-Stokes equations coupled to elasticity equations was introduced for the PWV in arteries with elastic walls. This system of equations was completed by clinical information obtained from the Doppler ultrasound images of the carotid artery of 40 healthy male volunteers. For this purpose, the Doppler ultrasound images were recorded and saved in a computer; and subsequently center-line blood velocity, arterial wall thickness, and arterial radius were measured by offline processing. The results from the analytic solution of the completed equations showed that the mean value of PWV for the group of healthy volunteers was 2.35 m/s when the mean arterial radius was used as the neutral radius and 5.00 m/s when the end-diastole radius was used as the neutral radius. It is noteworthy that the latter value closely complies with that reported by other researchers. By applying this method, a non-invasive clinical and local evaluation of the common carotid artery stiffness via a Doppler ultrasound measurement will be possible

Alterações das propriedades funcionais e estruturais de grandes artérias no diabetes mellitus / Modifications of structural and functional properties of large arteries in diabetes mellitus

Alterações funcionais e estruturais das grandes artérias exercem um importante papel na patogênese das doenças cardiovasculares. O diabetes mellitus, ao lado da hipertensão arterial e do envelhecimento, pode induzir essas alterações em diferentes territórios arteriais, e assim levar ao desenvolvimento de aterosclerose e suas conseqüências cardiovasculares. A principal alteração da função das grandes artérias é o aumento da rigidez, enquanto que a principal alteração estrutural é o maior espessamento da camada intima-media da artéria carótida, encontradas em ambos os tipos 1 e 2 de diabetes. Os mecanismos destas alterações estruturais e funcionais arteriais no diabetes incluem a resistência à insulina, o acúmulo de colágeno devido à glicação enzimática inadequada, disfunção endotelial e do sistema nervoso autônomo. O aumento de rigidez arterial é um marcador de risco cardiovascular em pacientes diabéticos, e o tratamento tanto do diabetes per se quanto de dislipidemia e hipertensão arterial associadas pode modificar beneficamente essas alterações arteriais.

Functional and structural modifications in large arteries play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The diabetes mellitus besides arterial hypertension and ageing can induce these alterations in different arterial sites, and so leading to the development of atherosclerosis and its cardiovascular consequences. The main functional change of large arteries is an increase of stiffness, while the main structural modification is an increase of the intima-media thickness of carotid artery, and both changes have been recognized in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms of these structural and functional arterial modifications in diabetes include insulin resistance, collagen increase due to inadequate enzymatic glycation, endothelial and autonomic dysfunction. The increase of arterial stiffness is an independent cardiovascular risk marker in diabetic patients, and the treatment of diabetes per se and even of associated dyslipidemia and arterial hypertension can favorably modify these arterial changes.

Impact of Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors on the Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Young Adults: The Kangwha Study / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Although risk factors for coronary artery disease are also associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), there is little information available on the asymptomatic, young adult population. We examined the association between multiple cardiovascular risk factors and the common carotid IMT in 280 young Korean adults. METHODS: The data used for this study was obtained from 280 subjects (130 men and 150 women) aged 25 years who participated in the Kangwha Study follow-up examination in 2005. We measured cardiovascular risk factors, including anthropometrics, blood pressure, blood chemistry, carotid ultrasonography, and reviewed questionnaires on health behaviors. Risk factors were defined as values above the sex-specific 75th percentile of systolic blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, fasting blood glucose and smoking status. RESULTS: The mean carotid IMT+/-standard deviation observed was 0.683+/-0.079 mm in men and 0.678+/-0.067 mm in women (p=0.567) and the evidence of plaque was not observed in any individuals. Mean carotid IMT increased with an increasing number of risk factors(p for trend <0.001) and carotid IMT values were 0.665 mm, 0.674 mm, 0.686 mm, 0.702 mm, and 0.748 mm for 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 to 5 risk factors, respectively. The odds ratio for having the top quartile carotid IMT in men with 3 or more risk factors versus 0-2 risk factors was 5.09 (95% CI, 2.05-12.64). CONCLUSIONS: Current findings indicate the need for prevention and control of cardiovascular risk factors in young adults and more focus on those with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Correlation of lipid profile and carotid artery plaque as detected by Doppler ultrasound in ischaemic stroke patients--A hospital-based study.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Carotid plaque formation and intima media thickness can be a predictor of ischaemic stroke. In this regard studies from our country, are few and far between. This is a small hospital-based study to look in to this matter. We have assessed the intima media thickness of the common carotid as well as the internal and external carotid arteries by the ultrasound method. The lipid profiles were estimated and correlated with the intima media thickness. Results indicate that in the common as well as in the internal and external carotid arteries, the intima media thickness is a good predictor of ischaemic stroke. This thickness is also well correlated with the lipid levels in blood. Hence this non-invasive method can be used successfully to identify the high risk patients, prone to develop stroke.

Mención de espesor íntima-media arterial y detección precoz de aterosclerosis. Relación con factores de riesgo y eventos cardiovasculares / Measurement of artery intima-media thickness and early detection of atherosclerosis. Association with risk factors and cardiovascular events

La aterosclerosis es el proceso inicial de eventos cardiovasculares, constituyéndose en la causa más importante de morbimortalidad en la actualidad. Como la aterosclerosis es una enfermedad crónica que se desarrolla durante un período prolongado antes de expresarse clínicamente, se han desarrollado distintas técnicas para detectar y medir las alteraciones precoces de la aterosclerosis, entre ellas figura la medición del espesor íntima-media. El método ultrasónico empleado en esta medición es no invasivo, permitiendo el monitoreo de la evolución de cada paciente. La precisión de este estudio ha sido validada con mediciones en piezas de anatomía patológica. La medición del espesor íntima-media tiene una reproducibilidad aceptable para detección y progresión de enfermedad. El valor del espesor íntima-media aumentado se asocia a los principales factores de riesgo coronario y a un mayor riesgo de futuros eventos cardiovasculares. Su medición es utilizada como el estado aterosclerótico actual del paciente y como predictor de riesgo de manifestación clínica de enfermedad cardiovascular. El aumento del espesor íntima-media, indicador de enfermedad subclínica, podría reflejar no sólo la posibilidad de la ocurrencia de eventos, sino también las consecuencias de la exposición previa a factores de riesgo. Por lo tanto se ha propuesto utilizar la medición del espesor íntima-media como un marcador de aumento del riesgo cardiovascular en poblaciones con alta incidencia de enfermedad cardiovascular o factores de riesgo cardiovsculares. Consecuentemente sería útil en la identificación del subgrupo de pacientes con mayor riesgo cardiovascular de la población general, para iniciar estrategias agresivas de prevención primaria o secundaria.