Ultrasound Measurement of Atherosclerosis

摘要: To the Editor: The recent review of intima-media thickness (IMT) measurements by Bots et al,1 while presenting cogent arguments for use maximum versus mean carotid IMT studies interventions, failed to discuss important limitations IMT. They claim as an advantage IMT, opposed morbidity and mortality end-points, considerable reduction in sample size duration study needed show efficacy new interventions; however they neglect mention methodology that has significant advantages compared with namely measurement plaque. IMT is very insensitive change plaque, because plaque grows along axis flow 2.4 times faster than it thickens.2 Thus, detects treatment much more readily. It also understand ultrasound various aspects atherosclerosis such stenosis, or assay biologically distinct phenomena. The main determinants are age blood pressure; multiple regression traditional risk factors gives R 2 only 0.15 0.17 IMT,3 0.52 area.4,5 This leads distinctions must be made both genetic interventions …