Ultrasonic Parametrization of Arterial Wall Movements in Low- and High-Risk CVD Subjects

Abstract

This paper shows the results of a preliminary study on the performance of new methods based on ultrasonic images parametrization, to estimate the arterial wall movements used for the evaluation of arterial stiffness, considered to be a predictor of cardiovascular events. The well-known technique of motion tracking in ultrasound image sequences was applied on cine loops scanned from subjects with different risks of suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD). The motion of arterial walls was traced using displacement signals: Diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT) and longitudinal intima-media (IM) complex movement. The new methods used for the parametrization of the displacement signals were the average value (AV), effective or root mean square (RMS) value, and peak-to-peak motion amplitude estimate. A total of 79 subjects were analyzed in the study with 30 considered at low risk and 49 included in a preventive program for monitoring high CVD risk subjects. The results show a statistically significant difference between healthy volunteers and at-risk patients according to the AV of IMT, RMS values of longitudinal and radial motions and peak-to-peak amplitude of radial motion.

Diabetic Vascular Damage: Review of Pathogenesis and Possible Evaluation Technologies

“…Decreased elasticity or increased arterial stiffness is a gradual process and a result of elastomeric degeneration [49]. Therefore, arterial stiffness is an important early marker of vascular atherosclerosis [50] and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events [50], [51]. Arterial stiffness highly correlates with insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction [52].…”

“…Certain micro and macrovascular complications for DM patients can be evaluated by measuring changes of vascular stiffness [45] since biomechanical properties of arteries and consequently, their functionality depends on stiffness, calcification, and formation of plaque [54]. The most common quantitative markers of arterial stiffness are the intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and cross-sectional distensibility [51]. Increased vascular stiffness elevates PWV and reduces reflection of this wave from the vascular system.…”

“…• Modern ultrasound scanners that are available in most clinical settings allow inspecting motion of internal and middle layers of large arteries not only in radial but also in the longitudinal direction, which depends on elastic properties of arteries [51]. Doppler echocardiography allows evaluating arterial stiffness by using changes in blood volume and pressure relationships [58].…”

“…Despite the high diagnostic value, arterial stiffness evaluation has not been assessed in routine clinical practice due to some technical difficulties and probably due to the influence of vasoconstriction on the stiffness [59]. However, the potential of traditional markers such as PWV or morphological parameters of the pulse wave (PCA) remains underutilised [51], even though they have been long approved as reliable methods of artery stiffness evaluation. Although magnetic resonance imaging allows evaluating the stiffness by direct tracking of their expansion, the usage is highly limited by the price and limited resolution [52].…”

Ultrasound B-Mode Imaging: Beamforming and Image Formation Techniques

“…They showed that the proposed method improves the image resolution by using fewer frames than other reference methods, thus moving super-resolution a step forward to real-time imaging. Makūnaitė et al [15] showed how advanced segmentation and tracking techniques can be exploited to develop new predictors of cardiovascular events. Specifically, they tracked arterial wall movements for the evaluation of arterial stiffness and showed that the average value of the intima-media thickness, during the cardiac cycle, is statistically different between healthy volunteers and patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.…”