Ultrasound Evaluation of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Children

Abstract

Aim:The purpose of this study was to assess the association with automated US measurements of carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) with anthropometric, laboratory data and ultrasonographic measurements of fat, in order to identify potential markers that could be used to prevent the development and progression of cardiovascular pathology in adolescents. Method: Forty-five patients aged 10 to 17 years were enrolled in this study. Blood samples and anthropometric measurements were obtained from all subjects. All patients underwent an ultrasonic assessment of subcutaneous tissue, pre-peritoneal fat, and intra-abdominal fat. All patients received an US assessment of the common carotid artery intima-media thickness. Results: There was a positive association of minimum beds of pre-peritoneal fat, on both sides, with cIMT. Additionally, cIMT on the right side was positively associated with HOMA-IR. In our multivariate analysis, HOMA-IR remained independently associated with cIMT (left) and measurement of the minimum bed of pre-peritoneal fat was associated with right cIMT. There was no association of cIMT with sex, BMI z-score, demographic variables or laboratory findings. Conclusion: Pre-peritoneal fat and HOMA-IR are associated with automated ultrasound measurements of both carotid intima-media thickness. Carotid intima-media thickness was not associated with any other demographic variables nor with other laboratory findings when assessed with our automated US method.

Perirenal and epicardial fat and their association with carotid intima-media thickness in children

“…A pediatric study that assessed subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat thickness in children aged 5 years old found a significant association between body fat mass (especially intra-abdominal fat) and artery wall thickness and stiffness [23]. In another study in children and adolescents that assessed subcutaneous, intra-abdominal, and preperitoneal fat, both homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and preperitoneal fat were predictors of cIMT [24].…”

Can We Improve the Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk in Obese Children? A Possible Study Protocol

“…The parameters determined by carotid ultrasound (intima media thickness) and carotid Doppler examination (arterial stiffness indices) have repeatedly shown their connection with the atherogenic process. (33)(34)(35) Similarly, Doppler ultrasonography of the renal arteries may provide a useful parameter (Doppler-derived renal resistive index) that is related to renal impairment in this systemic process and is frequently linked to the etiopathogenesis of high blood pressure. (36) Cardiac ultrasound also plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases in everyday practice, and the most modern innovations such as tissue Doppler and speckle-tracking technology have extended its scope beyond the usual techniques employed, with the development of increasingly promising advances in the direction of risk stratification, even in the subclinical phase of cardiac impairment.…”