Sotomayor GA, Kostine A, Gómez-Flores JR, Márquez MF, Hermosillo AG, Verdejo PJ, Iturralde TP, Colín LL, Nava TS, Cárdenas M

Language: English
References: 12
Page: 397-400
PDF size: 106.33 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: Non-invasive evaluation of endothelial function with high resolution ultrasound has become a widely accepted tool in determination of high risk subjects for early atherosclerosis. Despite its simple appearance, ultrasonographic assessment of brachial artery changes, is technically challenging and has a significant learning curve. In the present study, we evaluate the intra and inter-observer variability in assessing peripheral endothelial function with high resolution ultrasound at a tertiary referral center. Methods: Assessment of endothelial function was performed by 2 physicians in 20 volunteers without evidence of coronary artery disease. Endothelial function is evaluated with a high frequency bidimensional ultrasound with a 10.0-MHz linear-array transducer used for the study. Each volunteer was examined by both observers using an identical protocol, measuring brachial artery diameter on three occasions. Results: Excellent correlation was observed for all brachial artery measures with a Spearman’s correlation coefficient › 0.9 (p ‹ 0.0001). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the study population was of 10.45 ± 6.9%. Flow independent dilation (FID) was of 24.35 ± 7.63%. Intra-observer variability was of 2.1% for observer A and 1.1 % for observer B. Conclusions: Non-invasive assessment of endothelial function using brachial artery ultrasound is reproducible and can be performed with low intra and inter-observer variability.

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